England manager Sarina Wiegman has included Chelsea star Lauren James in her 23-player squad for next month’s UEFA Women’s European Championship, despite the forward not featuring since April due to a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old, who has netted seven goals in 27 appearances for the Lionesses, picked up the injury while on international duty.
However, Wiegman remains confident in James’ fitness, saying the squad has “enough time” ahead of the tournament for her to regain match sharpness.
“It’s not a risk. She’s been training well and is where we hoped she’d be at this point. Hopefully she’ll be ready for the first game in July,” said Wiegman.
James is expected to feature in England’s warm-up match against Jamaica on 29 June as part of her return to full fitness.
Teen Sensation Agyemang Called Up
One of the most eye-catching selections is 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang, included after just one senior cap. The Arsenal youngster, who has spent the season on loan at Brighton, made an immediate impression with a stunning goal just 41 seconds into her debut against Belgium in April.
“She can definitely be a wildcard option,” Wiegman said. “She brings something different and has shown real promise in training and on the pitch.”
Agyemang is among seven forwards selected for the tournament, highlighting England’s attacking depth.
Lionesses Begin Euro Title Defence in July
England, the reigning European champions after their memorable 2-1 win over Germany at Wembley in 2022, face a challenging group at this summer’s tournament in Switzerland. The Lionesses kick off against world number 11 France on 5 July, before facing the Netherlands and Wales. The final will be held in Basel on 27 July.
Squad Highlights and Notable Absences
The squad includes Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway, back from a serious knee injury, along with Manchester City duo Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, both of whom recently returned from surgery to feature in the final stages of the Women’s Super League season.
However, the build-up to the tournament has been marred by the retirements of senior stars Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, and the withdrawal of World Cup captain Millie Bright, who is stepping back to prioritise her health and wellbeing.
Nine players from the Euro 2022-winning side are missing, with five having retired from international football.
England Women’s Full Euro 2025 Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Khiara Keating (Manchester City)
Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Defenders:
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Jess Carter (Gotham FC)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit)
Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
Midfielders:
Ella Toone (Manchester United)
Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
Keira Walsh (Chelsea)
Grace Clinton (Manchester United)
Jess Park (Manchester City)
Forwards:
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
Lauren James (Chelsea)
Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City)
Beth Mead (Arsenal)
Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea)
Standby Players:
Sophie Baggaley (Brighton, goalkeeper)
Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City, midfield)
Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa, midfield)
Lucy Parker (Aston Villa, defence)
The standby group will train at St George’s Park from 16 to 30 June before the squad departs for Switzerland. The US-based trio – Anna Moorhouse, Jess Carter, and Esme Morgan – will join the camp on 23 June due to ongoing domestic league commitments.
