England declares James fit for Euros final
Lauren James will be fit to play in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 final for England after overcoming an ankle problem she suffered in the semi-final.
The England winger was a doubt for the showpiece against world champion Spain after suffering the injury the Lionesses' 2-1 win over Italy, and was taken off at half-time.
James scored twice against Netherlands in the group stage, her only direct goal contributions at the tournament so far, to help the Lionesses build momentum after a defeat to France in their opening match.
England coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that all 23 players trained ahead of its third consecutive major tournament final.
"We had 23 players on the pitch and everyone came through," Wiegman said. "If everyone recovers well, then we have everyone fit for [the final]."
England captain Leah Williamson was also a worry for the defending champion after picking up a knock in the quarter-finals.
The defender stated that both she and the rest of the team would play through injuries in order to help their country lift the trophy again.
"We have a team of talented players and Lauren James brings something different, so having that available is best-case scenario for us," Williamson said.
"I can speak for every single member of the squad when I say that as long as we get the green light, we would play through anything [pain]. My ankle is great. My mum rolled her ankle the other day, so she's taken all the attention now.
"I had a scare, but I want to be involved, I want to help the team, so I'm ready to go.
"We're very connected to what it means to the nation. As connected as we can be, being away from home.
"The opportunity of what's on offer is the best thing in football. We wanted to be here until the end and have the chance to fight for the trophy, and you can't do that until the final."
The Lionesses are looking to become the second nation to lift the trophy at consecutive tournaments, along with Germany.
This will be Wiegman's fifth final from five major tournaments as an international manager, the first time any coach, male or female, has achievd that feat.
She has won both UEFA Women's Euros finals so far, while losing FIFA Women's World Cup finals with Netherlands and England respectively.
Both England's quarter-final versus Sweden and semi-final versus Italy at this tournament went to extra-time, and no nation has yet played three extra-time games in a single tournament.
Only three times before has a final required extra-time, but one of those instances was the previous edition.
Wiegman insisted she has prepared her side for every possible scenario, but hopes it will be a quiet match for goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
"I'm having a heart attack, too. I just don't show it," Wiegman said of the previous two thrilling finishes for England. "We want to be best prepared. We try to prepare on what can happen in the game and what we need. That is how the squad is built.
"We figured out what we need if we need to change things. We have spoken through all the scenarios, but during the game, it's what you think is necessary. When we want to change, we can do it.
"I hope she [Hannah Hampton] will not be too busy tomorrow. This is her first major tournament where she is the starting goalkeeper, and she has done very well, I think."

