Chelsea boss Emma Hayes insists Lauren James will be ready for England’s World Cup final on Sunday if she is named in the starting eleven
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says Lauren James would be ready to start England’s World Cup final if called up by manager Sarina Wiegman.
James was sent off in the round of 16 with Nigeria, missing out on wins in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. But the attacker only received a two-match suspension and is now available for selection again.
Hayes, speaking at the FIFA women’s football convention in Sydney, said she had spoken to James and the attacker would be prepared if she got the clearance.
“I think you know, I’m a manager, but picking someone else’s team isn’t my job, it’s Sarina’s,” said Hayes when asked if James should start.
“Those players are prepared for whatever happens and whichever team Sarina chooses. I’m sure Lauren would be ready.
Emma Hayes has backed her club player Lauren James to be ready if she is included in the starting eleven
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“First of all it’s about England as a team and England as a whole and they’ve all stepped up and come on, whether it’s Katie Zelem filling in for Keira Walsh or Ella Toone filling in for Lauren James after that quarter-final anyway. .
“Lauren is an excellent player and will contribute many more moments for both the club and the country. As always, she will be reflective and move on from that.
“I have (talked to her), always (to wish her luck) and to bring her some Murray Mints. She likes Murray Mints.”
James signed for Chelsea in 2021 and won two WSL titles and two FA Cups under coach Hayes