Chelsea forward Lauren James has withdrawn from England Women’s duty ahead of the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against France.
The Lionesses — second in Group A3 — play unbeaten France at St James’ Park on Friday evening ahead of the reverse fixture in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday.
Head coach Sabrina Wiegman confirmed James — who arrived in camp with an existing foot problem — will take no part in either game during a press conference confirming her squad on Thursday.
“Lauren James didn’t make it,’ she said. “She already had a foot problem [before joining up] but we hoped we could build her up for tomorrow.
“It’s just too early so unfortunately she can’t stay with us. She is going to get prepared for the July window.
“It’s a disappointment. She did everything, it’s just too early now. It’s not good enough and you have to be top, top fit to be ready tomorrow. So for her and the team, it’s unfortunate.”
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Tottenham Hotspur’s Jess Naz comes into the squad as James’ replacement.
Captain Leah Williamson is in line to start alongside Chelsea’s Mille Bright with both players fully recovered from long-term knee injuries.
The Euro 2022-winning centre-back duo have not played together since February last year.
Williamson said: “It’s the first time that, obviously, me and Millie have been back in the squad together for a long time, so it’s been nice in that regard.
“I think we’ve got a really strong unit – I mentioned coming back into the squad about how well they’ve performed and how they’ve raised the level, so it’s good to be back.
“It’s a competitive unit to try to get into. I’ll look forward to the challenge, I think, as everybody does.”
The 25 players called up — including two on standbys Lucy Thomas and Missy Bo Kearns — arrived in Newcastle on Thursday.
(Photo by Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
