The Colombian scored twice in a 4-2 win over Brighton on Sunday (AEST) after Dominic Calvert-Lewin proved again he is the Premier League's form striker by opening the scoring with his ninth goal of the season.
Jordan Pickford, named alongside Calvert-Lewin in the latest England squad, produced something of a howler to let Brighton back into the game when he dropped Leandro Trossard's weak effort right at the feet of Neal Maupay, who turned home an equaliser.
The home side quickly responded, though, retaking the lead before half-time as James's free-kick was headed home by his international teammate Yerry Mina.
The former Real Madrid midfielder then took centre-stage after the break as he swept home Alex Iwobi's low cross before tapping into an empty net on his weaker right foot 20 minutes from time.
Yves Bissouma pulled a late goal back but it was too little, too late for Graham Potter's men.
