Lauren James holds the key to England's Euro 2025 hopes – Sarina Wiegman must use Lionesses star in right way against Netherlands

The Chelsea forward has been incredibly bright since her return from injury, but she could be used more effectively by the European champions

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• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

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Home Kit

• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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Buy

Away

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• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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It's not been a good start to the European Championship for England. The Lionesses' title defence began with a 2-1 loss at the hands of France on Saturday, meaning a win over the Netherlands on Wednesday is vital if Sarina Wiegman's side want to keep their destiny in their own hands. A draw would leave them needing a favour from Les Bleues on matchday three, while another defeat would send them crashing out in the group stages.

But there are reasons for England to remain optimistic as that big clash with the Dutch looms. After all, this is an experienced side, featuring plenty of players who won the Euros three years ago and navigated a tricky World Cup to reach the final in 2023. It's also a very talented side, led by arguably the best manager in the international women's game today.

It's also a side that, in one of few positives from that bleak result in Zurich at the weekend, has Lauren James back fit and firing. After being a serious doubt for this tournament due to a hamstring issue picked up in early April, the Chelsea star made her first start in three months on Saturday, and a continuation of the bright sparks she brought despite defeat will be vital if the Lionesses are to dig themselves out of this hole.

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  Best of a bad bunch

  England were poor against France, and yet it was hard to criticise James much for her performance. With only 30 minutes under her belt since her hamstring issue, those in a sprightly substitute appearance against Jamaica, it was a slight surprise to see the 23-year-old in the starting XI – but she looked sharp, fit and provided most of the Lionesses' best moments.

  There were just 40 seconds on the clock when James picked up the ball in a dangerous area and fired a warning shot at the French goal, while her teasing cross a few minutes later should've been attacked better by a team-mate. Indeed, only Michelle Agyemang, a late impact sub, had more touches in the opposition's box for England, despite James going off on the hour. She found space well and always looked a threat when she got the ball in those pockets.

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  Eyebrow-raising role

  It must be said, though, that James' selection in the No.10 role raised eyebrows and was, in truth, a slight hindrance to the team in general. That's not because she didn't work hard or make her mark, but rather because her presence meant England only had two out-and-out midfielders in the middle of the park, with James certainly more of a forward.

  As such, they struggled to win the midfield battle, with France dominating in a physical sense and also able to control play for the majority of the evening.

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  More effective out wide…

  In England's familiar 4-3-3 shape, it makes much more sense for James to be utilised out wide. Wiegman has plenty of players who can play as a No.10 in this formation and bring some steel to the midfield at the same time, most notably Ella Toone and Grace Clinton, and James is by no means less effective as a winger.

  She could be particularly dangerous on the right against the Netherlands, too, given Esmee Brugts, the young Barcelona star who plays at left-back for the Dutch, is a natural forward, rather than a defender.

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  … Or with a change of shape

  If Wiegman did want to play James centrally, it might make more sense in a 3-5-2 set-up, which there are certainly arguments for her to return to. It's a formation that would mask England's left-back problem, offer Alessia Russo more support up front and bulk up the middle of the park enough to get James a free-roaming role.

  That's how the Lionesses lined up at the World Cup two years ago, and it was central to both their run to the final and James' outstanding displays Down Under.