England’s bid to retain its UEFA Ladies’s Euro Championship title has been boosted by one in every of its star gamers nearing a return to full health.
Lauren James, who was a significant doubt forward of Sarina Wiegman’s squad choice, performed her first match since April when she got here on as a 63rd minute substitute in Sunday’s pre-tournament pleasant — a 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica.
And Wiegman mentioned James may even begin when the Lionesses kick off their title protection in opposition to France on Saturday in Zurich.
“Effectively, I’m not going to provide the lineup, however she performed half-hour final week so she will be able to play greater than that,” Wiegman mentioned with a smile on Friday. “I believe that’s saying sufficient.”
Certainly, in opposition to Jamaica, James confirmed little signal of the hamstring damage that had saved her out because the begin of April as she offered a luxurious help for Alessia Russo simply eight minutes after approaching.
“She’s in a great place,” Wiegman mentioned. “She’s able to get extra minutes tomorrow.”
The defending champion, which additionally completed runner-up to Spain within the 2023 World Cup, is likely one of the favorites at Euro 2025 however England faces extra difficulties in Switzerland than it did three years in the past on residence soil.
There was upheaval within the squad within the buildup and this time across the Lionesses gained’t have the backing of a fervent residence crowd.
“It’s new territory,” England captain Leah Williamson mentioned. “We’re not essentially it as a protection, however a brand new problem and a brand new alternative to do one thing new. We take any problem that comes our means.”
England additionally faces Wiegman’s residence nation, the Netherlands, in Group D in addition to match debutant — and neighbor — Wales.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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