Lauren James has been left out of the latest Lionesses squad as England prepare for two friendlies against China and Ghana next month.
Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player squad on Tuesday, but one of Chelsea’s biggest stars was omitted from the team.
Why is Lauren James not in England squad?
Lauren James has been one of England’s standout stars over the past three years.
However in 2025 the Chelsea forward has struggled to gain momentum, largely due to the amount of injuries that she has suffered from.
James suffered a hamstring injury for her club in April which ruled her out of the end of the domestic campaign.
Her hamstring injury came at a disastrous time, as it looked for all the world as if James would miss out on Euro 2025.
But the 24-year-old persevered and managed to recover from her injury just in time for the tournament.
🏴 Lauren James lighting up #WEURO2025 🤩 pic.twitter.com/0N5NHnpAVw
— UEFA Women’s Nations League (@WEURO2025) July 15, 2025
James featured in all six of England’s Euro 2025 games on their way to a second consecutive title. The young star also netted twice in the group stage to help the Lionesses qualify for the last 16.
Lauren James ‘playing through pain’
After the tournament in Switzerland, James revealed that she played through pain all summer.
The Chelsea and England star decided to rest at the start of the WSL season and she didn’t return to action until last week in the Champions League.
As a result of her lack of game time this year, Sarina Wiegman decided it was best to leave James at home as she returns to full fitness.
Sarina Wiegman has named her Lionesses squad for the upcoming friendlies against China and Ghana. 📋
There’s a debut call up for Freya Godfrey, with both Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton returning from injury.
Lauren James misses out as she continues her recovery from an ankle… pic.twitter.com/vl8kE3g5m5
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 18, 2025
England will take on China and Ghana at the end of November in their final friendlies of the Lionesses Homecoming Tour.
What next for Lauren James?
While she won’t be taking part in any internationals, James still has one more Chelsea games before the upcoming break.
The Blues face off against Barcelona in the Champions League on Thursday and James is sure to play a part in their biggest game of the season so far.
Following the European clash, James will be given a rest for two weeks before domestic action returns at the start of December.
