One last chance: here's what Lionesses must do to be ready for Euros

Times

5 hours ago

Time is of the essence for England. On Sunday, they play their last match before defending their European Championship crown in Switzerland: a friendly against Jamaica at the King Power Stadium.
Since Sarina Wiegman named her squad on June 5, the Lionesses have escaped the turbulence which threatened to be created by the retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, as well as Millie Bright's withdrawal from selection contention. Nevertheless, England have issues to address before their Euros opener against France next Saturday. With the tournament so close and a difficult group awaiting them in Switzerland, the final stages of their preparation are crucial.
The return of James
Lauren James is back, but still not at full fitness. The Chelsea forward, 23, has not played since early April owing to a hamstring injury, yet was named in the Euros squad and is poised to make her comeback off the bench against Jamaica.
'We have to manage her minutes,' Wiegman, the England head coach, said. 'She hasn't played games yet but she's in a good place. She is likely to come off the bench. We can manage that a bit. She showed up in the training session really well. She could cope with loads and recover from loads. She's ready, we're just still growing into minutes. This is the first time in a while that she's coming into a game and [she needs to] get through that. Then we'll take it from there towards the tournament.'
James's availability is pivotal. Her sublime dribbling, elusive movement and ability to conjure up a moment of magic are without peer in England's team. These attributes meant that including her in the squad despite her uncertain status was a worthwhile risk. Even if James plays only a handful of minutes on Sunday, her performance will offer a glimpse of how close she is to peak condition.
The match will also tease the role she could play for at least the start of the Euros. Given her long spell on the sidelines and the gradual approach to her return outlined by Wiegman, it feels unlikely that James will be ready to play 90 minutes against France. An impact substitute role is more realistic, and Sunday's runout will give one of England's superstars the chance to acclimatise to a limited role. She may not be far off her best, though.
'It's really exciting seeing LJ back,' Jess Carter, the England defender, said. 'The most impressive thing is that she has come back as almost a new player. She looks so fresh and sharp. Good luck to anyone having to play against her in the tournament.'
Meanwhile, Georgia Stanway can prove that she is back to full fitness against Jamaica. The Bayern Munich midfielder, whose partnership with Keira Walsh has been a hallmark of the Wiegman era, has not played for her club in 2025 because of a serious knee injury.
However, Stanway returned to action off the bench on May 30 against Portugal, and then played the first half against Spain four days later — England's most recent game. Wiegman confirmed that she is able to play 90 minutes at the King Power if required.
All in on No1 Hampton
Earps's retirement means Hannah Hampton is the only capped goalkeeper in England's squad. Hampton is the clear No1 and Wiegman strongly hinted that neither of her other two goalkeepers, Khiara Keating or Anna Moorhouse, will get their international debut against Jamaica.
'If needed, they can come in,' Wiegman said. 'I'm not planning on subbing the goalkeeper. They've played on a very high level for their club in front of big crowds.'
Wiegman, then, is set to be a Hampton injury or suspension away from giving a goalkeeper her debut at a major tournament. Hampton will receive plenty of scrutiny if, as expected, she starts on Sunday. The 24-year-old Chelsea No1 is Wiegman's plan A between the posts this summer, while plan B is untested.
Who starts at left back?
England's strongest XI is largely predictable, but the left-back position is rather open. Carter and Niamh Charles are likely to duel for that starting spot, assuming Alex Greenwood continues as the starting left-sided centre back.
Carter, who plays for Gotham FC in the United States, is stronger defensively than Charles and may be a better option against the speed of France's attack. That she was put up for media duties on Saturday suggests she will get the opportunity to stake her claim against Jamaica.
'There is not one chance where you can be complacent,' Carter, 27, said. 'You have to be at the highest level every training session and game. If you aren't, you're probably not going to play.'
Building momentum
While shaking off rust and avoiding injuries are the priorities for England on Sunday, they need a strong display before heading to Switzerland.
Jamaica sit 40th in Fifa's world rankings and are missing some important players, including the Manchester City striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw. England should expect to win well.
These 'send-off' friendlies can set the tone. England were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal in their final game before the 2023 World Cup, and then plodded through the opening two matches of that tournament.
They eventually found their groove two years ago, but England cannot afford to ease themselves into proceedings this time. After the France game, they play another title contender in the Netherlands, and losing both would probably end their Euros defence at the earliest possible juncture. Sunday's match can help England take on a brutal group with momentum.
England v Jamaica