The UK will face Spain in the Euro 2025 final at St Jacob Park in Basel on Sunday, with the Lioness sweating playmaker Lauren James’ fitness
Lioness star Lauren James was involved in England’s final training session ahead of the Euro 2025 final. James’ availability to the final was raised in question after she was kicked out in the semi-finals against Italy and sat on the bench with ice at her injured ankle.
Salina Wigman confirmed on Friday that the Chelsea star is still recovering, but remained optimistic that she could face Spain on Sunday. “We don’t know yet, but for the 23 players available for the game, that’s what we’re aiming for,” says manager Wiegman.
If James can’t start, the UK is expected to replace her with the right side to choose between Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly. Mead started the opening game in position and replaced James at halftime Tuesday, but Kelly made a decisive contribution from the bench in both knockout matches.
James has started every match of the tournament so far, earning an impressive brace in a 4-0 victory in the Netherlands. After joining the rest of the 23-player group in training in Zurich on Saturday, there is all the hopes she can play from the start of Sunday.
A complete complement of players took part in the session before England made Basel from the short hops. This suggests that captain Leah Williamson did not feel any illicit impact from the 85 minutes he played against Italy after recovering from his ankle.
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Lioness boss Wigman was reluctant to change his starting lineup during the tournament despite penalties against Sweden and extra time against Italy. Nine of her team members began all games. There is the only change to see Esme Morgan put Jess Carter at centreback at centreback and come to Mead after the opening game and see James move to the wing.
But the “finisher” for England was key, but Kelly and fellow alternative Michel Aguierman score a goal in Geneva for a comeback victory in Italy.
“Michelle, I’d think she’s about 30, she’s so mature, so humble,” teammate Tone said of the 19-year-old. “She came to this tournament with freedom, not worry, not care.
“She appeared in a big moment where we needed her, she had a lot of talent and there was not much that many players could do. Even when she scored and caught in the game, she was the same Michelle when she started the tournament.
“I’m bustling for her. It’s nice that good people get what they deserve. She’s definitely in the bubble now, but when she leaves, she’s recognized by far more people than before the tournament.
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Buy a new Lioness Euro 2025 kit
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Lioness is one of her favorites to win the women’s euro this summer, and a new official kit is now out. Fans can go home in time for the tournament and wear a new goalkeeper shirt.
