Chelsea forward Lauren James has shared that her fitness is steadily improving as she continues her recovery from a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old was left out of the England squad for the Nations League games against Portugal and Spain this week, just months ahead of Euro 2025.
In an exclusive interview with ITV News, before England manager Sarina Wiegman named the squad for the upcoming tournament in July, James admitted she struggles with being injured. “I’m a bad patient,” she said. “No one likes being injured; everyone wants to play football.”
James sustained the hamstring injury on April 4 during England’s 5-0 win over Belgium, and has not played since. This absence has raised questions about her readiness for Euro 2025, but Wiegman reassured that James is progressing well. “She’s where she should be at,” Wiegman said. “She can’t join us for this camp, but we are focusing on building her fitness with her club. She wants to go to the Euros, and we hope she’ll be fit and ready to go.”
James made the comments while attending a McDonald’s Fun Football session in west London, a programme she became an ambassador for last year. The programme offers free football training for children aged 5 to 11.
“It’s very important because it shows we, the Lionesses, are inspiring young people to follow their dreams,” James explained.
If her recovery continues as planned, James is expected to make her Euros debut in Switzerland. “Playing for your country is always special, but hopefully going to the Euros and helping my country will be a great achievement,” she said.
The Chelsea star, who has earned 27 caps for England, also emphasized the importance of the tournament for inspiring young girls to play football. “It doesn’t matter who wins, just having the tournament and seeing it on TV will help young girls look up to us,” she added.
James also reflected on England’s loss to Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, stating the team is moving forward. “I don’t think we’ll dwell on it,” she said. “It’s a new team, with fresh faces. Everyone is youthful, and it feels like a fresh start.”
James was joined at Hanwell FC by 22-year-old Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton, who is considered a rising star for future England squads. Clinton shared her excitement about representing England at major tournaments. “It felt amazing to watch them lift the trophy,” she said. “You dream of it, but when you’re watching, it feels so far away. The idea of playing for England gives you butterflies.”
James also discussed the racist abuse she received online after being sent off in England’s 2023 Women’s World Cup match against Nigeria. Asked if she was concerned about facing more online attacks at the Euros, she responded confidently. “No, you learn from the last time,” she said. “When you’re on the big stage, you stay calm and ensure that doesn’t happen again.”
