James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows

The past week hasn't exactly been an oasis of calm for the Lionesses. Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, Millie Bright withdrew from selection for Euro 2025.

- ADAM MILLINGTON

Now, Sarina Wiegman has named her squad, and it contains a significant point of uncertainty: Lauren James has been selected despite her fitness being a doubt.

It's a gamble, but this time, Wiegman is probably right to roll the dice.

James has not played since April. The 23-year-old has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in the Lionesses' win against Belgium. She is still yet to return to fitness and just 30 days remain until England's tournament gets underway.

But James is the perfect player for the big stage. She featured in all but one of England's games at the 2023 World Cup, missing out following her quarter-final red card against Nigeria, and was instrumental in their run to the final.

That tournament feels like the distant past now, but her sublime performance across the campaign is reason enough to call her up. The wonderful strike she scored in the group stage against Denmark, the way she sailed past defenders with ease and linked play. In tournament football, you sometimes need to be able to call upon someone who can produce an individual spectacular moment to make the difference: James has all the right attributes to fill such a role.

England have lacked her trademark style when she's been absent. Her staccato runs can turn a game on its head, stopping and starting to scan for space as she approaches a defence, constantly making goalkeepers think she is about to whip an effort into the far corner. With the ball at her feet, she is calm, composed and offers an unmatched level of unpredictability in her play.