England’s forward Lauren James is primed and prepared to contribute in the Women’s World Cup final against Spain, having served her two-match ban. Chelsea’s manager, Emma Hayes, confirmed on Friday that James, an outstanding performer in the tournament’s group stage, is eager to make her mark if selected.
Despite missing the last two matches for England due to a red card received for stamping on an opponent during the Round of 16 match against Nigeria, Lauren James remains a vital asset for the national team. Her suspension has concluded, and she is ready to be considered for selection in the crucial final.
Emma Hayes, manager of Chelsea which also features England defenders Millie Bright and Jess Carter, emphasized James’ exceptional capabilities and her potential to contribute significantly to both her club and her country. Hayes revealed her conversation with James, affirming the young player’s enthusiasm and excitement to be back in contention for the final.
“Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country,” Hayes stated during a press conference in Sydney. She also emphasized James’ ability to remain reflective and move forward from the red card incident, highlighting her readiness for the final match.
Hayes expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to make the best decisions for the team and confirmed that players like Lauren James are prepared for any role assigned to them by head coach Sarina Wiegman.
Reflecting on England’s journey, Hayes credited Wiegman with providing the leadership necessary for this “golden generation” of England players to fulfill their potential on the world stage. She underlined that the team, bolstered by experienced leaders, is prepared to perform under pressure and deliver their best on Sunday.
The final showdown between England and Spain is anticipated to be a tactical battle, with Hayes predicting that Spain will attempt to pin England into a defensive setup. She highlighted the attacking strengths of England, while acknowledging Spain’s formidable players like Aitana Bonmati and Salma Paralluelo.
Although Hayes hails from England, she acknowledged Spain’s prowess and the challenge they pose. Her focus remains on her home country, and she expressed her desire for England to claim their first world title.
As for the speculation around the vacant position of the U.S. coach following Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation, Hayes clarified her position, reiterating her contentment at Chelsea and her focus on preparing her team for the upcoming season.
