FootyChatter.com

Lauren James has won 27 England caps Chelsea forward Lauren James is available to play against Jamaica in a boost to England's Euro 2025 preparations - her first match since April after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old has not featured for club or country in three months so is expected to come on as a substitute in England's final friendly on Sunday at 17: 00 BST. Sarina Wiegman's side begin the defence of their European title in Switzerland on 5 July when they face France in their group opener. "We have to manage the minutes. She's doing really well, but of course she hasn't played games yet. But she's in a good place, " said Wiegman when asked if James could feature at the King Power Stadium. "She will likely come off the bench - we can manage that a bit. "She showed up in the training sessions really well. She could cope with loads and recover from loads. "Her performance has been really good. She's ready; we're just still growing into minutes. This is the first time in a while that she's coming into a game. "She [needs to] get through that. Then we'll take it from there towards the tournament. " James was one of the stars of England's route to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, with three goals and three assists in the group stages before being sent off in the last-16 victory over Nigeria. England defender Jess Carter said it was "exciting" to see James back in training and is confident she can have an impact in the tournament. "The most impressive thing for me is that she has come back as almost a new player, " said Carter. "She looks so fresh and sharp. She is a pain to play against. Good luck to anyone having to play against her in the tournament. " Gotham FC defender Carter is hoping to push into Wiegman‘s starting XI but says the competition in the squad is "great". "There is not one chance where you can be complacent. You have to be at the highest level every training session, every game, because if you don't, you're probably not going to play, " said Carter. "That's what we want as players - to have players that can compete in multiple positions and perform at the highest level. " Head here to get involved Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Austrian Grand Prix qualifying build-up India's Verma overturns caught behind decision in first T20 Lions run in eight tries in win over Western Force Diane Morgan's heartfelt journey into her own past Munroe Bergdorf on finding love as a trans woman Jaw-dropping black comedy film starring Barry Keoghan The World War One origins of pioneering plastic surgery Who will win Euro 2025? BBC pundits make their predictions. Video Who will win Euro 2025? BBC pundits make their predictions Verstappen, Russell and Mercedes - what factors are at play? How Club World Cup is paying for Man City and Chelsea's summer signings The British teenage trio creating Wimbledon history 'I love my fans, but also dread meeting them' - life as an autistic elite footballer Will Archer 2. 0 still be a £100m cheat code on England Test return? The end of one of football's great full-back duos - where do they rank? Every kit for Euro 2025 - pick your favourite The Commonwealth Games swimmer who might not see 40 Sir Gareth joins the greats as football's seventh knighted manager The chase is on - why no team can feel safe against Stokes' England Will 'sport's best-dressed officials' be missed at Wimbledon? Euro 2025: How have England evolved? What are Wales' chances? 'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars. Video'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars Which drivers are in danger of losing their seat for 2026? How Draper became a genuine Wimbledon contender Which young players could light up Euro 2025? What do you remember about the 2013 Lions tour? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.