England's preparations for tomorrow's Euro 2025 final face uncertainty as forward Lauren James continues rehabilitation from an ankle problem sustained during Tuesday's semi-final triumph against Italy.
The 23-year-old attacker left the pitch during the interval of the extra-time victory and subsequently received ice treatment whilst watching from the bench.
James has netted twice during the tournament in Switzerland, contributing significantly to England's progression to face world champions Spain, but is a doubt for Sunday's clash in Basel.
"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," manager Sarina Wiegman revealed.
PA
|England boss Sarina Wiegman has admitted Lauren James is facing a fight to be fit for Sunday night's Euro 2025 final against Spain
The England boss acknowledged she remains unsure about James's availability, stating: "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."
"It's not a decision that we just make in the moment - when we name the squad, we talk about what we might need at certain moments in games. And what player will fit that."
Wiegman detailed how her coaching staff analyse potential match scenarios before kick-off, identifying which players could address specific tactical requirements.
She described the timing of changes as instinctive, noting: "Sometimes you might think 'OK, we are doing better now in the second half, so let's keep it [the same], but then when you don't create chances or a goal then you have to change something."
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|Lauren James has been a key player for England at Euro 2025
Several substitutes have proven instrumental in England's knockout stage progression, presenting Wiegman with welcome selection dilemmas.
Chloe Kelly and teenage forward Michelle Agyemang both delivered crucial goals after entering as replacements during the quarter-final and semi-final victories over Sweden and Italy.
"It's a nice one [problem] to have, but you mention those two [Kelly and Agyemang] because they have been coming on and scoring goals," Wiegman noted.
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"But I think Grace Clinton has also made a great contribution - she had to play in Keira [Walsh's] position when Keira had to come out, a very important position."
"It gives us headaches but I want to have those headaches," she admitted.
Wiegman expressed appreciation for backing from Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham, who declared the manager "not for sale at any price."
"It's really nice to feel the support," she acknowledged.
However, the 54-year-old declined to discuss her plans following the expiration of her current agreement after the 2027 Women's World Cup.
"I'm so 'in' these Euros - we play a final on Sunday and there is nothing else that I am thinking about," she said.
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PA | England previously lost 1-0 to Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup back in 2023
Her immediate focus remains firmly on tomorrow's championship match against Spain, scheduled for 5pm.
England previously lost to Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup in 2023, going down 1-0 on that occasion.
Whether they can avenge their defeat in the European Championships tomorrow night remains to be seen.