Lauren James makes timely return ahead of Euro 2025

In England, Lauren James has made her comeback to training after a hamstring injury that sidelined her since April. This injury prevented her from playing for both Chelsea and the national team. The Chelsea forward trained with her England teammates over the last two weeks, displaying good fitness and readiness to participate in upcoming matches. Head coach Sarina Wiegman has managed her recovery carefully, indicating that while James has shown excitement and readiness, she will likely start on the bench, particularly in the crucial Euro 2025 opener against France. James made her return to the pitch by coming off the bench in a friendly against Jamaica, where she exhibited her skill and ease with the ball, suggesting that she is not yet fit enough to play the full 90 minutes. Despite the lack of game time, her training performances were impressive, which has reignited excitement among teammates and fans alike. Her teammate Jess Carter emphasized how fresh and sharp James appeared, possibly turning her injury into a short-term benefit for her performance. As England approaches the Euro 2025 tournament, the inclusion of James is a strategic decision for Wiegman. With her versatility to play across various attacking positions, Wiegman has options but faces the dilemma of how best to utilize James, given the team's existing offensive structure. The competition for spots on the front line remains intense, especially with other notable players like Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead, who are in favored positions for starting roles. Nevertheless, James's talent ensures she will be an integral part of the team as they aim for success in the tournament. The anticipated match against France is expected to challenge England more than their previous friendly outings. With preparations underway, Wiegman remains focused on refining the team's strategy to effectively dominate their opponents, and how James is integrated into this plan could be pivotal. As the tournament looms, the focus on James's fitness and effectiveness will be critical for England's aspirations.