Sarina Wiegman is hopeful that Lauren James will be fit to join the England squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 this summer. Wiegman is expected to announce the final 23-player roster on Thursday as the team prepares for the tournament in Switzerland.
Lauren James, a forward for Chelsea, has been out since April due to a hamstring injury. She got injured during England’s home win against Belgium at Ashton Gate. There was some doubt about whether she would recover in time to play at the Euros. However, recent news suggests she is making good progress in her rehabilitation.
Wiegman confirmed that James has returned to training and is moving forward as expected. This is a positive sign for England, as James’s skills and pace are important for the team’s attack. Her presence could make a big difference in England’s chances at the tournament.
Another player making a comeback is Georgia Stanway, the Bayern Munich midfielder. She recently started a match against Spain after recovering from a knee injury. Stanway played the first half but was taken off at half-time as a precaution. Wiegman clarified that this was not due to a new injury but because Stanway has not had much game time recently. Stanway wanted to play more but was carefully managed to avoid risking her fitness.
Stanway’s return is important for England’s midfield strength. Her ability to control the game and help create chances is valuable for the team. Having both James and Stanway fit will boost England’s overall performance at Euro 2025.
Wiegman also mentioned Fran Kirby, who recently announced her retirement from international football. Kirby, who plays for Brighton, has had a notable career and continues to play in the Women’s Super League. Wiegman spoke highly of Kirby’s talent and personality and said they had honest talks about the possibility that Kirby might not make the Euro squad.
England is preparing carefully for the tournament, aiming to put together a strong and competitive team. The progress of injured players like James and Stanway is encouraging news. The team’s final selection will show how Wiegman plans to tackle the challenges ahead at the European Championship.
