England's James will be fit for final: Wiegman
Basel, Switzerland
England forward Lauren James will be available for the Euro 2025 final with Spain in Basel, manager Sarina Wiegman has confirmed.
The forward was forced off at half-time of the Lionesses' extra-time semi-final comeback over Italy with an ankle issue, but trained with the team in Zurich on Saturday before Sunday's title decider in Basel.
James, like the other members of Wiegman's full 23-player squad who trained, still needs to come through recovery, but her boss is optimistic the she will be available to take on the World Cup holders.
Wiegman said: 'We had 23 players on the pitch today and everyone came through, so if everyone recovers well then we have 23 players available for tomorrow.
'I think we have many players that can impact, and we know that (James) can have an impact too, so that will be nice.' Captain Leah Williamson added: 'I think we have a team of talented players. Lauren brings something slightly different, just like the others, so obviously having that available is best-case scenario for us.'
Williamson survived her own injury scare in Switzerland when she rolled her ankle in extra time of their spectacular quarter-final, penalty-shootout comeback against Sweden, but returned for their semi-final.
She said: '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.
'My ankle is great. My mum actually rolled her ankle a couple of days ago, so she's taken all the attention away from me now.
'But no, I had a scare. Obviously I want to be involved, and I want to be available to help the team any way they need me. But obviously played that game, the semi-final and ready to go.'
Williamson missed out on the World Cup after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in April 2023, and was forced to watch their loss to Spain - in England's first final at a global showpiece - from the stands.
Asked about the importance of having her skipper free to face Spain, Wiegman added: 'Of course, I'm very happy with that, as I am very happy that we have 23 players available tomorrow.
'And yeah, Leah has a big role in the team, so it's really nice to have her on the pitch.'
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