Niamh Charles says Chelsea are lucky to have Lauren James after the England superstar inspired a 3-0 victory at Brighton.

The Blues extended their lead at the top of the Women's Super League to six points with James hitting a typically well-taken brace alongside Fran Kirby's effort.

Her opener was particularly impressive, swivelling her body to hit a first-time half-volley after being teed up by skipper Charles.

Asked if it is the kind of thing they now expect from their talented team-mate, the left-back told Sky Sports: "We know what she can do. 

"To see her do it every game, it's amazing.

"We know if we feed her, she's going to score, so we're very lucky to have her."

James has been deployed as both a No9 and No10 in striker Sam Kerr's absence and she showed all the goalscoring instincts of the injured Australia star with her second of the game.

A cross was only cleared as far as the 22-year-old, who once again hit it first time and clinically finished into the corner.

And the Lionesses star admitted she is enjoying the multiple roles she is allowed to play in Hayes' system.

She said: "It's a nice feeling to have that freedom to be able to go in different areas of the pitch that I want to go in.

"And I guess it keeps the opposition guessing as well on where I'm going to play, I'm enjoying it."

Manchester City and Arsenal will look to restore the gap behind the defending champions to three points again in their respective games against Tottenham and Liverpool on Sunday.