England’s Lauren James Poised to Shine in Euro 2025 Final

England’s hopes for victory in the Euro 2025 final have received a significant boost with the news that forward Lauren James is likely to be fit for their match against Spain on July 7, 2025, in Basel. James was substituted due to an ankle injury during England’s semifinal against Italy on Tuesday. However, her successful participation in Saturday’s training has raised optimism within the squad.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that all 23 players trained without incident, stating, “We had 23 players on the pitch today and everyone came through. If everyone recovers well, then we have 23 players for tomorrow.” The prospect of James returning to action is promising, as Wiegman acknowledged her potential impact on the game. “We have many players that can impact, and we know she can too, so that will be nice,” she added.

James’s presence is crucial for England, especially given the team’s tumultuous journey through the tournament. They secured their place in the final after a hard-fought victory over Italy, where they managed a last-minute equaliser before winning in extra time with a goal in the 119th minute. England captain Leah Williamson expressed her determination to perform despite her own injury concerns, stating, “I can speak for every single member of the squad when I say we will play as long as we get the green light. We would play through absolutely anything to be involved at this stage.”

Williamson, who also faced an ankle injury during the quarterfinal, reassured fans that she is ready for the final. “My ankle is great,” she said, adding a personal touch by mentioning her mother’s recent ankle injury, which has drawn attention away from her own. The team’s resilience and focus on overcoming challenges have been pivotal throughout the tournament.

As England prepares to face Spain, who are the reigning World Cup champions, the stakes are high. The two teams met in the World Cup final in 2023, with Spain winning 1-0. However, since then, England has claimed victories in their recent encounters, including a 1-0 win at Wembley and a hard-fought 2-1 loss in the Nations League.

Williamson acknowledged the high caliber of their opponents, stating, “We play a game against the world champions who continue to prove themselves over and over in the way they play football.” She emphasized the mutual respect between the teams, highlighting the need for England to perform at their best to secure a victory. “There is a lot of respect between the two teams. I would be hesitant to say there’s an underdog in this scenario,” she remarked.

The captain also spoke about the team’s mindset heading into the final, stressing that they are not fearful of losing. “In football, anything can happen,” Williamson noted. “We focus on being the best people we can to each other, performing the best that we can, and hopefully, that gives you the result you want.”

For Williamson, leading England to victory would also represent a personal milestone, as it could make her the most decorated captain in English football history. Despite the potential accolades, she remains focused on the team dynamic, stating, “It’s less of an ‘I won this’ and more ‘we,’ always.”

As the final approaches, the excitement builds around England’s prospects, with fans eager to see how the team will respond to the challenges posed by Spain. With key players like James potentially available, England aims to capture their first European title in history.