England’s Lauren James in race against time to recover from injury as Euro 2025 final draws ever closer

By Danielle Desouza

England forward Lauren James is in a race against time to be able to play in Sunday’s Euro 2025 final with Spain following an ankle injury.

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James was forced off with an ankle issue at half-time of the Lionesses’ gripping semi-final comeback in Geneva, where Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner booked the defending champions a meeting with the World Cup holders in Basel.

James, who returned from a three-month hamstring injury absence in England’s tournament-opening loss to France, was seen icing her ankle after she was taken off against Italy and replaced by Beth Mead after the break.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman said of the footballer: "She’s still recovering. She’s doing things on the pitch and we have two more days so we’re going to give her time.

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"I don’t know yet [if she’ll be ready], but that’s what we’re going to go for – 23 players available for the game on Sunday."

England and Spain will play against each other at Basel's St Jakob-Park at 6pm local time (5pm UK time) on Sunday.

The match will be attended by Prince William in his role as patron of the Football Association.

England is the current Women's Euro reigning champions after defeating Germany in 2022.