BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — England forward Lauren James has made a significant recovery from her recent ankle injury and is set to be included in the highly anticipated final of the Women’s European Championship against the powerful Spain, the reigning World Cup champions, on Sunday. Lauren James sustained the injury during Tuesday’s semifinal match between England and Italy, and she was replaced at halftime because of discomfort. She was observed patiently working on her recuperation by applying ice to her ankle during the game.
James showed her willingness to compete in the final by fully participating in a training session on Saturday with her teammates, despite early concerns about her fitness. “We had 23 players on the pitch today, and everyone came through the session well,” remarked England coach Sarina Wiegman on the eve of the crucial match. “If all recover without issues, we will have the full squad ready for tomorrow. I believe we have numerous players who can have a significant impact, and Lauren is certainly one of them. Having her in the lineup would be a huge advantage for us.”
Even before the tournament kicked off, Lauren James was viewed as a potential concern for the team due to a hamstring injury that had kept her sidelined for the latter part of the previous season in April. But the 23-year-old has stepped up, displaying her offensive abilities and starting all five of England’s Euro 2025 games. She made a significant contribution to the team’s win by scoring two goals in the team’s decisive 4-0 victory over the Netherlands in the second group stage match.
“We are fortunate to have a roster filled with talented players,” stated England captain Leah Williamson. “ Lauren James brings a unique skill set that adds a different dimension to our attack. Having her available for this match is definitely the best-case scenario for us.”
As England prepares for the final, they carry the expectation of defending their European title while being acutely aware of the challenge posed by Spain, who defeated them in the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. This match not only represents a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for England to further establish their dominance in women’s football.
