Lauren Hemp: The Relentless Rise of England’s Left-Wing Dynamo
Lauren May Hemp’s journey from the football fields of Norfolk to the international stage with England is a story of raw talent, relentless work ethic, and fearless attacking play. Born on August 7, 2000, in North Walsham, England, Hemp has grown into one of the most electrifying forwards in the women’s game, known for her blistering pace, sharp dribbling, and game-changing instincts in the final third.
Her career is one defined by progression — each step forward marked by both personal growth and collective achievement. From humble beginnings in grassroots football to being a multiple PFA Young Player of the Year and a European champion, Hemp’s name has become synonymous with consistency at the highest level.
Early Life & Introduction to Football
Growing up in the small market town of North Walsham, Norfolk, Lauren Hemp was surrounded by family and community support from the very beginning. Alongside her sister Amy, she developed a love for the game that would quickly outgrow the local pitches. She attended Millfield Primary School before moving on to North Walsham High School, and it was during these years that her natural ability became impossible to ignore.
Her first structured footballing experience came with North Walsham Youth FC, where she played with mixed teams — often the only girl on the pitch. That environment toughened her up and sharpened her competitive instincts. Coaches quickly realised she possessed more than just speed; she had the technical skill to manipulate the ball under pressure and the creativity to make defenders look foolish.
From there, Hemp joined Norwich City’s youth setup. Between 2008 and 2015, she represented the Canaries at youth level, refining her abilities while balancing school and sport. The move to Norwich gave her access to better facilities and coaching, but also exposed her to the higher intensity and tactical discipline required to progress in the game.
Breaking Through: Bristol City (2016–2018)
Hemp’s leap into the professional ranks came in 2016 when she signed with Bristol City. It was a pivotal step — not only was she entering senior football, but she was doing so as a teenager, competing against experienced professionals.
She made her senior debut on March 10, 2017, against Reading in the Women’s FA Cup, a moment that confirmed she belonged at that level. Just a few months later, she opened her FA WSL goal account in a 3–1 victory over Liverpool on September 23, 2017.
Her breakout came in the 2017–18 season, where she scored seven league goals and earned the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award. The recognition was not just for her numbers but for the way she played — direct, fearless, and with the ability to change the tempo of a match in seconds.
Manchester City: Becoming a Star (2018–Present)
Manchester City secured Hemp’s signature in May 2018, seeing her as a long-term investment in their attacking future. The transition to one of the league’s top clubs could have been intimidating, but Hemp embraced the challenge.
She scored her first goal for City in a Continental Cup match against Aston Villa on September 13, 2018, and quickly established herself as a key rotational player. By the 2019–20 season, she was no longer a prospect — she was a starter, influencing big matches with her speed and decision-making.
Her performances continued to earn her accolades, including four PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year awards — 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 — making her the first player in history to win it four times.
During her time at City, Hemp has helped the club secure major domestic honours, including the Women’s FA Cup (2018–19, 2019–20) and the FA Women’s League Cup (2021–22).
Her role has evolved from a pure winger to a more versatile forward, capable of drifting inside to link play or swapping flanks mid-match to unsettle opposition defenders.
International Career: Wearing the Lionesses Shirt
Hemp’s England journey began at youth level, representing the U17s, U19s, and U20s. She played a crucial role in England’s bronze-medal run at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring twice in the tournament.
She earned her senior debut on October 8, 2019, against Portugal, and soon became a regular feature in the squad. Her pace and creativity proved essential during England’s successful UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 campaign, where the Lionesses lifted the trophy for the first time in history.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Hemp played a vital role in England’s run to the final, scoring twice in the tournament and terrorising defences with her direct running. Though England fell short against Spain in the final, Hemp’s performances were widely praised, cementing her place as one of the world’s top wingers.
Style of Play
Hemp’s playing style is built on three pillars:
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Explosive pace — She can turn a defender inside out within seconds.
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Ball control under pressure — Even at top speed, she maintains close control.
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Final product — Whether crossing for a teammate or cutting inside to shoot, her end product has improved year after year.
Defenders often double-mark her, but her agility and low centre of gravity allow her to slip through gaps and draw fouls in dangerous areas. She is equally comfortable attacking from the left flank or drifting centrally to combine with strikers.
Resilience & Mental Strength
Like any athlete at the top level, Hemp has faced challenges, including injuries that temporarily halted her momentum. But her ability to return stronger each time speaks volumes about her mentality. Whether recovering from a knock or battling through a dip in form, she remains focused on contributing to the team.
Personal Life & Influence Beyond the Pitch
Off the field, Hemp is known for her grounded personality and approachable nature. She remains closely connected to her Norfolk roots and is passionate about inspiring the next generation of female footballers.
Her rise has coincided with the rapid growth of women’s football in England, and she has embraced her role as a role model, regularly engaging in community outreach and youth coaching initiatives.
Honours & Career Highlights
Club (Manchester City):
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FA Cup: 2018–19, 2019–20
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FA Women’s League Cup: 2021–22
International (England):
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UEFA Women’s Euro: 2022 (winner)
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FIFA Women’s World Cup: 2023 (runner-up)
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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: 2018 (bronze medal)
Individual:
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PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
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England Women’s Player of the Year: 2022
From the pitches of Norfolk to Wembley glory, Lauren Hemp’s career is a testament to what natural talent, dedication, and resilience can achieve. Still only in her mid-20s, she has years ahead to continue shaping her legacy — one lightning run down the wing at a time.