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Wiegman unsure whether James will be fit for Euro 2025 final

Sarina Wiegman Hails Lauren James as Key to England's Euro 2025 Ambitions

In a resounding vote of confidence, England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman has pinpointed Chelsea forward Lauren James as a pivotal figure capable of propelling the Lionesses to the final of the 2025 European Championship. Speaking ahead of crucial qualifiers, Wiegman emphasized James's exceptional talent and growth, suggesting that the 22-year-old could be the spark that ignites England's quest for back-to-back Euros glory. This endorsement comes at a time when England is riding high on recent successes, yet facing the challenge of maintaining dominance in an increasingly competitive international landscape.

Wiegman, the Dutch tactician who masterminded England's triumphant Euro 2022 campaign and guided them to the World Cup final in 2023, has never been one to shy away from bold predictions. Her latest comments underscore a belief in James's potential to evolve into one of the world's elite players. "Lauren has everything to be a top, top player," Wiegman stated in a recent press conference. "She can take us to the final – she's that good. But it's about consistency and making the right decisions on and off the pitch." These words reflect not just optimism but a strategic vision for how James fits into England's attacking arsenal, particularly as the team prepares for the defense of their continental crown in Switzerland next summer.

Lauren James's journey to this point has been a compelling narrative of raw talent, setbacks, and redemption. Bursting onto the scene as a prodigious teenager, James made her senior debut for Manchester United in 2018 before moving to Chelsea, where she has blossomed into a versatile forward known for her dribbling prowess, vision, and goal-scoring instinct. Her international breakthrough came under Wiegman's watchful eye, with James earning her first England cap in 2022. Since then, she has accumulated over 20 appearances, contributing goals and assists that have made her indispensable in key matches.

However, James's path has not been without turbulence. The most notable hiccup occurred during the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final but fell short against Spain. In the round of 16 clash against Nigeria, James was sent off for stamping on an opponent, an impulsive act that led to a two-match suspension. This incident sidelined her for the quarter-final and semi-final, forcing her to watch from the stands as her teammates advanced. Wiegman, ever the supportive coach, addressed this moment as a learning curve rather than a defining failure. "That red card was a tough lesson for Lauren, but she's come back stronger," Wiegman noted. "She's more mature now, and her performances show she's channeling that energy positively."

Indeed, James's post-World Cup form has been nothing short of electric. Back at Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Emma Hayes (now with the US women's team), James played a starring role in the Blues' Women's Super League title charge and their run to the Champions League semi-finals. Her ability to operate as a No. 10 or on the wings, combined with her physicality and technical finesse, has drawn comparisons to her brother, Reece James, the Chelsea and England men's defender. But Lauren has carved out her own identity, blending flair with a newfound discipline that Wiegman believes will be crucial for Euro 2025.

England's qualification for the tournament has been a testament to their resilience and depth. Placed in a challenging group alongside France, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland, the Lionesses secured automatic qualification with a game to spare, thanks to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Sweden in Gothenburg. This result, while not spectacular, highlighted the team's defensive solidity and ability to grind out results under pressure – qualities that Wiegman has instilled since taking over in 2021. The draw ensured England topped their group, avoiding the playoff route and allowing more time for preparation. Wiegman praised the squad's collective effort but singled out James for her contributions in the campaign, where she scored vital goals and provided assists that turned draws into wins.

Looking ahead to Euro 2025, which will be hosted across eight venues in Switzerland, England enters as favorites but with no illusions about the competition. Defending champions, they face potential rematches against powerhouses like Spain, who defeated them in the World Cup final, or Germany, perennial contenders. The tournament format, with 16 teams divided into four groups, promises intense knockout stages, and Wiegman is keen to leverage James's X-factor to navigate these challenges. "We want to go all the way again," Wiegman asserted. "Lauren's creativity and ability to unlock defenses will be huge for us. She's not just a player; she's a game-changer."

James herself has echoed this sentiment, expressing eagerness to make amends for past disappointments. In interviews, she has spoken about the mental growth following the red card incident, crediting Wiegman and her support staff for helping her refocus. "I've learned to stay calm in big moments," James said. "Euro 2025 is a chance to show what I can do on the biggest stage." Her recent displays, including a hat-trick in a friendly against South Africa, have only bolstered this narrative, showcasing her lethal finishing and playmaking abilities.

Beyond James, Wiegman's squad boasts a wealth of talent that complements her star forward. Players like Beth Mead, who returned from injury to shine in qualifiers, and the ever-reliable Lucy Bronze provide a balanced lineup. The emergence of young talents such as Maya Le Tissier and Aggie Beever-Jones adds depth, ensuring England isn't overly reliant on any single individual. Yet, Wiegman's emphasis on James highlights her belief in the forward's capacity to elevate the team during crunch time. This approach mirrors successful strategies from Euro 2022, where individual brilliance from the likes of Ellen White and Fran Kirby propelled the team to victory on home soil at Wembley.

The broader context of women's football adds layers to this story. The sport has seen exponential growth since England's Euro triumph, with increased investment, larger crowds, and global attention. Wiegman, a pioneer in her own right, has been instrumental in this evolution, advocating for better resources and equality. Her management style – a blend of tactical acumen, player welfare, and motivational leadership – has transformed England from underachievers to world-beaters. By backing James publicly, Wiegman is not only boosting the player's confidence but also signaling to rivals that England is building a dynasty.

As preparations intensify, with friendlies and training camps on the horizon, the focus will be on fine-tuning the squad's cohesion. James's role will likely involve leading the attack alongside Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, forming a formidable front three capable of dismantling any defense. Wiegman has hinted at tactical flexibility, potentially deploying James in a free-roaming role to maximize her influence. This adaptability was evident in the qualifiers, where England switched formations seamlessly to counter opponents.

Critics might point to James's occasional lapses in concentration as a potential weakness, but Wiegman dismisses such concerns, viewing them as part of the maturation process for a young star. "Every great player has moments like that," she said. "What matters is how you respond, and Lauren has responded brilliantly." This philosophy extends to the entire team, fostering a culture of resilience that has defined England's recent era.

In conclusion, Sarina Wiegman's faith in Lauren James represents more than just tactical insight; it's a statement of intent for Euro 2025. With James firing on all cylinders, England has the tools to reach another final and perhaps lift the trophy once more. As the Lionesses gear up for Switzerland, the spotlight on James will only grow, but if her trajectory continues upward, she could well become the hero of a new chapter in English football history. The journey promises excitement, drama, and the potential for greatness, with Wiegman and James at the heart of it all. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/lauren-james-sarina-wiegman-england-euro-2025-final-b1240113.html ]