Lauren James Still Doubtful for England’s Euro Opener

Lauren James remains the main talking point ahead of England’s opening Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against France in Saint-Étienne this Saturday.

Lauren James Race Against Time

Head coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that the Chelsea forward is “in a good place” after overcoming the hamstring strain that sidelined her in March. James was eased back with a 30-minute cameo in the friendly draw with Jamaica last week, showing flashes of her trademark dribbling but stopping short of full throttle. Whether that outing was enough to convince Wiegman to start her star attacker remains unanswered.

Wiegman Weighs Her Options

England have travelled with a fully fit frontline, including Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead, giving the Dutch coach welcome selection headaches. “We want Lauren on the pitch, but we also have to be smart,” Wiegman said in Thursday’s press conference. “She trained at high intensity, yet we will only start her if she can give us 90 minutes of quality.”

France Threat Looms Large

Hervé Renard’s France arrive on the back of a 4-0 win over Sweden and boast Kadidiatou Diani’s pace plus the midfield artistry of Grace Geyoro. England need James’ creative spark to break Les Bleues’ press, but risking a setback so close to a long qualifying campaign could prove costly.

Tactical Balancing Act

If James begins on the bench, look for Ella Toone in the No.10 role with Kelly and Mead stretching France’s full-backs. James would then be primed to exploit tired legs in the final half-hour.

Opinion: Restoring Lauren James to the starting XI feels tempting, yet England’s depth allows caution. One explosive cameo could be worth more than an early gamble on fitness.