Emma Hayes speaks out on potential Lionesses rift after Lauren James unfollows England teammates on Instagram

Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes has responded to claims of division in the Lionesses camp amid Lauren James’ latest social media activity.

After Manchester United knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 semi-final victory, James appeared to unfollow three Red Devils players on Instagram, who also happen to be his England teammates.

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out that goalkeeper Mary Earps, along with forward Ella Toone and defender Millie Turner had all been removed from the Blues star’s watchlist.

The decision may have been based on an incident between the 22-year-old and Turner late in the first half, when James scored to make it 2-1 after United had taken a 2-0 lead. two goals.

Eager to get back into play quickly, the Lionesses forwards rushed to recover the ball, only to discover that Turner had already collected it, prompting the two to engage in a scuffle.

James appeared to put his fellow international in a headlock during the altercation, something the United player then made light of in an Instagram post later.

Turner posted a photo from the scene as well as a series of snaps from the match, with the caption: “KAMMOONNNN.”

She then drew further attention to the photo by reposting it on her Instagram story, writing: “See you at Wembley my reds.”

Although the new England girl’s social media activity will have pleased her teammates, many of whom liked the post, it clearly did not go down well with James, whose next move was noted by fans.

Many netizens have pointed out that the former United star no longer appears to be following a trio of his Three Lions teammates, speculating that this could hint at a possible rift between the players.

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Emma Hayes was asked for her thoughts on the incident, in light of James receiving online abuse for his role, with some criticizing Turner for making the attacker an easier target through his messages.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s WSL clash with Aston Villa, Hayes played down the situation: “We don’t look at Instagram, she doesn’t have it, so I don’t know.

“I didn’t have an Instagram conversation with her, we didn’t talk about it.”

When asked if online speculation surrounding the rumor would have an impact on his players’ focus during the season, the Blues boss remained unfazed.

She said: “I guess if you read it or watch it, I don’t know what the noise is, I don’t know what it says.

“All I know is that I am focused on what I do every day and my reminder to the team is that you continue to accomplish those tasks.

“I can’t control anything outside of that, so I don’t think about it too much to be honest.”

The 24-capped Lioness has been the victim of online hate in the past, suffering vile racist abuse after being sent off during England’s round of 16 victory over Nigeria at the World Cup last year.

She was then the subject of equally hateful comments after appearing to trample Arsenal’s Lia Walti when her team were beaten 4-1 at the Emirates in December.

Fans pointed out that Turner had since disabled comments on the post, demonstrating that she was aware of the latest torrent of abuse directed at her England teammate.

Hayes hopes his side can put their latest disappointment behind them as they look to strengthen their bid for WSL glory against Aston Villa, before turning their attention to their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

After missing out on the FA and Conti Cup titles, the west Londoners are now looking to deliver a perfect farewell to their outgoing manager as she prepares to leave the club at the end of the season to take charge charges the United States women’s national team. .