England's rising star Lauren James has left fans concerned after sustaining an injury during the Lionesses' crucial Euro 2025 qualifier against Italy. The Chelsea forward, who has been instrumental for both club and country, was forced off the pitch in the second half following a heavy challenge.
Key Moments from the Match
The incident occurred during England's dominant 3-1 victory over Italy, where James had already made her mark with a goal and an assist. Medical staff rushed to attend to the 22-year-old after she appeared to twist her ankle while attempting a shot. Despite initial treatment, James was unable to continue and was substituted shortly after.
What We Know About the Injury
While the England camp has yet to release an official statement, sources close to the team suggest it may be a minor ligament strain rather than a serious fracture. Manager Sarina Wiegman remained cautiously optimistic in her post-match interview, stating: "We'll assess Lauren properly in the coming days. She's a tough player, but we won't take any risks with her recovery."
Implications for England's Euro 2025 Campaign
With crucial qualifiers approaching, James' potential absence could force Wiegman to reconsider her attacking options. The young forward has become a key component of England's system, offering creativity and goal threat from wide positions.
England's next match sees them face Sweden in what promises to be a stern test of their qualification credentials. Fans will be hoping for positive news about James' fitness in the coming week.
