Lauren James is unavailable for England's 2025 Euros qualifying doubleheader against France following a foot injury, England manager Sarina Wiegman said Thursday.
Chelsea's James has been carrying the knock for a number of weeks and is unavailable for selection for either of the pivotal games.
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"Lauren James didn't make it, so she's not selected for tomorrow," Wiegman told a news conference. "She already had some foot problems at her club so she came in and we hoped we could build her for tomorrow but it's just too early so unfortunately she can't stay with us."
James has withdrawn from the squad and will return to Chelsea for management of the injury she sustained at the end of the Women's Super League season, the club have confirmed.
Tottenham Hotspur's Jess Naz moves into the main squad from standby in place of the injured James.
England face France on Friday in the first of a double header in Group A3 of the 2025 Euros qualifiers at St. James' Park before travelling to St Étienne on Tuesday.
The Lionesses are currently second in their group after drawing 1-1 with Sweden and defeating the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in April.