James had performed a key position in getting England by way of the group stage – she scored twice in the 4-0 win over the Netherlands.
However she missed her facet’s second spot-kick within the penalty shootout quarter-final win over Sweden – and admitted being fearful of getting racist abuse.
Group-mates Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood and Grace Clinton additionally failed to attain earlier than England finally progressed 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Nonetheless, James’ England team-mate Jess Carter revealed she was subjected to racism on-line after the sport and through the event. Carter subsequently stated she feared James would face “astronomical abuse” if her missed penalty had determined the end result in opposition to Sweden.
When England’s males misplaced to Italy on penalties within the Euro 2020 closing, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka – who all missed penalties – suffered racist abuse on social media.
Requested if that was on her thoughts in Zurich, James admitted: “For positive. Stepping up, I used to be considering, if I miss I hope I am not the one one as a result of I do know what comes with it – it occurred earlier than and retains occurring.
“As unhappy because it sounds, it was the most important reduction ever that different gamers missed. Who would have thought that? You all the time need your team-mates to attain so that you get by way of.
“Fortunately we missed and acquired by way of, but it surely was not a pleasant second – you might be taking part in in your nation so it is best to really feel the assist from the followers. It should not matter what color you might be.”
However James stated that type of therapy would nonetheless by no means make her assume twice about representing her nation.
“It is the place I am from, the place my mum is from, I all the time dreamed of taking part in for my nation,” she added.
“We do nice issues with England – back-to-back Euros, fortunately I used to be a part of the final one. I wish to be a part of each one going ahead.”
Chelsea open the WSL season at dwelling to Manchester Metropolis on Friday and face a tough ask to enhance on their first marketing campaign below supervisor Sonia Bompastor, the place they gained the league, FA Cup and League Cup.
However, having misplaced to Barcelona within the semi-finals, the starvation for a primary Champions League title has been elevated by Arsenal’s overcome the Spaniards in final yr’s closing.
“Arsenal successful it final yr reveals the usual of English soccer,” stated James. “It reveals how requirements are excessive, and makes us really feel, yeah, we have to go and win it.”
