The 18 year-old defender joined Oxford United as a scholar in the summer of 2020 after spending eight years in the academy system at AFC Wimbledon. He made his senior debut for Oxford United in October 2021 when coming on as a substitute in their EFL Trophy home game against Tottenham Hotspur U21s.

James joined Banbury United on work experience in January 2022 and would soon become a key member of the club’s Southern League Championship winning squad in the remainder of the season, making 15 appearances and scoring two goals. His progress would be rewarded with his first professional contract from Oxford United in March 2022, making his Football League debut for them at the end of the following month in the final game of the season, a home 1–1 draw against Doncaster Rovers. This season has seen James make two League appearances for Oxford United and four in cup competitions.

James has also made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland U19 side, both against their Iceland counterparts in June 2022.