Sarina Wiegman hints Lauren James could start against France for England’s Euro 2025 opener

ZURICH AP England s bid to retain its Women s European Championship title has been boosted by one of its star players nearing a return to full fitness Lauren James who was a major doubt ahead of Sarina Wiegman s squad selection played her first match since April when she came on as a rd minute substitute in Sunday s pre-tournament friendly a - thrashing of Jamaica And Wiegman announced James could even start when the Lionesses kick off their title defense against France on Saturday in Zurich Well I m not going to give you the lineup but she played minutes last week so she can play more than that Wiegman revealed with a smile on Friday I think that s saying enough Indeed against Jamaica James proved little sign of the hamstring injury that had kept her out since the start of April as she provided a sumptuous assist for Alessia Russo just eight minutes after coming on She s in a good place Wiegman noted She s ready to get more minutes the next day The defending champion which also finished runner-up to Spain in the World Cup is one of the favorites at Euro but England faces more difficulties in Switzerland than it did three years ago on home soil There has been upheaval in the squad in the buildup and this time around the Lionesses won t have the backing of a fervent home crowd It s new territory England captain Leah Williamson declared We re not necessarily looking at it as a defense but a new challenge and a new opportunity to do something new We take any challenge that comes our way England also faces Wiegman s home nation the Netherlands in Group D as well as tournament debutant and neighbor Wales AP soccer https apnews com hub soccer Source