Lauren James would be ready if recalled to the England team for Sunday’s World Cup final showdown with Spain, insists her Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.
James is available again after serving a two-game ban for her red card for stamping on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the last 16.
Ella Toone has impressed while James has been suspended and scored a brilliant goal to set the Lionesses on their way to victory against Australia in Wednesday’s semi-final.
It leaves England head coach Sarina Wiegman facing a big call over whether to play Toone or James in the No10 role against Spain.
But Hayes is confident James has put the disappointment of her red card behind her and says the 21-year-old is “excited” to make an immediate impact if selected to start.
“Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country,” said Hayes here in Sydney on Friday.
“As always, she will be reflective and she’s moved forward from [the red card] and she’s very excited to be available for the final.
“Those players are prepared for whatever happens, whatever team Sarina picks, I’m sure that Lauren will be ready.”
Hayes believes Wiegman has been the ideal leader for a “golden generation” of England players and has backed the Lionesses to make history.
“It’s what they’ve trained for for years... delivering the job under pressure,” she said. “England have amazing leaders, it’s not just Millie Bright, it’s across the team. Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Rachel Daly. There’s senior players there that know how to deliver on all fronts, and collectively as a team. They’re ready.
“Everyone in England was aware this is a golden generation and they just needed the right leader, which we have. Sarina has the experience, charisma and the qualities to deliver winning matches at the highest level.”
Hayes could be in the mix for the USA job after their coach Vlatko Andonovski resigned following their exit at the last-16 stage, but she insists she is committed to her club.
“I’m very happy at Chelsea, I’ve made that clear,” she said. “I’ve been there for 11 years, it’s my home. I think the US has most wonderful players.
“Perhaps the tournament didn’t go the way that they wanted, but my focus is on getting home and preparing the team for the start of the season.”
