England and Chelsea forward Lauren James is in a fitness battle as the Lionesses prepare for their upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying matches. The 22-year-old attacking talent missed Chelsea's recent Women's Super League victory over Leicester City due to injury, raising concerns about her availability for international duty.
Race Against Time for Euro Qualifiers
With England set to face Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in crucial qualifiers next month, manager Sarina Wiegman will be anxiously awaiting news on James's recovery. The young star has become an integral part of Wiegman's squad since making her senior debut in 2022.
Chelsea's Cautious Approach
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has confirmed the club is taking a careful approach with James's rehabilitation. "We're managing Lauren day by day," Hayes stated. "She's an important player for both club and country, so we won't take any unnecessary risks with her recovery."
Impact on England's Attack
James's potential absence would be a significant blow to England's attacking options. Her creativity and goal-scoring ability have been vital for the Lionesses, particularly following the retirement of several key players after their Euro 2022 triumph.
- Scored 3 goals in 5 appearances during England's World Cup campaign
- Provides versatility across the forward line
- Forms part of England's new generation of attacking talent
Alternative Options for Wiegman
Should James fail to recover in time, England may turn to alternatives like Manchester City's Chloe Kelly or Aston Villa's Rachel Daly. However, neither offers quite the same combination of technical skill and unpredictability that James brings to the team.
The Football Association is expected to provide a formal update on James's condition when the England squad is announced later this week. Fans will be hoping for positive news as the Lionesses look to secure their place at Euro 2025.
