Lauren James suffers injury blow as Lionesses fight for place in Euro 2025 final
The Chelsea winger has been key to Sarina Wiegman 's hopes of defending their European crown but endured a difficult first half in Geneva, with a lack of clinical finishing contributing to the deficit England found themselves chasing at the break.
But as the team reappeared to fight for their place in the final after half-time, James was made notable by her absence.
She was seen with ice around her ankle, with Arsenal forward Beth Mead replacing her in the front line.
'She looked like [she was struggling with a knock] in the first half, but we've got some experience now,' pundit Ian Wright said on ITV. 'I would match them up with 3-5-2.'
The predicted change of system came after a difficult first 45 minutes for the Lionesses, which saw them fall 1-0 down to dark horses Italy.
The goal stemmed from a catastrophe at the back, with Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze all at fault as Barbara Bonansea fired in at the back post.
England are now in a race against time to salvage their Euro 2025 hopes as they eye a place in Sunday's final.
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