The question that has been on everyone's mind since Wednesday; will Lauren James return to England starting lineup for World Cup Final against Spain?!
England have made it into their first ever World Cup Final. They will face Spain today, to try and take home gold.
England have had a fantastic World Cup campaign, conceding only three goals in six matches. They have reached their first World Cup final in their history. The question is, will Lauren James make her return?
Chelsea star Lauren James, received a red card in the 87th minute against Nigeria, in the round of 16. This provided Ella Toone with the call up for the number 10 spot, in the quarter and semi finals, and she did not disappoint.
Ella Toone is now the first English international, male or female, to score in both the quarter and the semi final for England. This puts a lot of pressure on Sarina Wiegman on who she is going to pick for the World Cup final.
After two displeasing 1-0 victories against both Haiti and Denmark in Group D, Wiegman switched formations from a 4-3-3 to a 5-3-2, seeing Ella Toone out of the starting lineup against China. This was a controversial decision that came good, with Lauren James bagging two goals and three assists in that China match, sealing her place in the round of 16 match against Nigeria.
Chelsea boss, Emma Hayes, stated that Lauren James would be fit and ready to play in the final, if called up. Hayes stated, “Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country. As always, she will be reflective and move forward." Hayes is confident that James will shine in the final, if picked in the stating eleven.
Emma Hayes the continued to state that Sarina Wiegman will pick who ever is best for the squad, “It's about England as a team and they have all stepped up and filled in, whether that's Katie Zelem for Keira Walsh, when she was injured, or Toone for James in the quarter-final. The players are prepared for whatever team Sarina picks, states Hayes.
Wiegman now has a very difficult decision to make. Who will she play, Toone or James? Maybe both! We will find out in the Women’s World Cup Final Sunday.