Chelsea forward Lauren James is set to make her return to the England squad as they prepare for their Euro 2025 campaign. After a three-month absence due to a hamstring injury, James is expected to come off the bench in England's final friendly against Jamaica on Sunday at 17:00 BST.

Sarina Wiegman, England's head coach, expressed her optimism about James' return, stating, '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.' Wiegman confirmed that James will likely feature as a substitute, allowing the team to manage her return carefully.

James, who has won 27 caps for England, was a standout performer during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, contributing three goals and three assists in the group stages before being sent off in the last-16 victory over Nigeria. Her return is seen as a significant boost to England's preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Jess Carter, England defender and James' teammate at Chelsea, shared her excitement about James' return, saying, 'The most impressive thing for me is that she has come back as almost a new player. 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.'

Carter also highlighted the competitive nature of the squad, emphasizing the need for players to perform at their best during every training session and game. '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,' she added.

England's Euro 2025 campaign kicks off on 5 July in Switzerland, where they will face France in their group opener. With James back in the fold, the team is looking to build on their recent success and defend their European title.