Lauren James, who was a major doubt ahead of Sarina Wiegman’s squad selection, played her first match since April when she came on as a 63rd minute substitute in Sunday’s pre-tournament friendly — a 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica. And Wiegman said James could even start when the Lionesses kick off their title defense against France on Saturday in Zurich.

England begin their European Championships title defence against France on Saturday and their opponents have been sweating on the fitness of a key player before the game

France will put on a united front when they play England in their Women's Euro group opener in Zurich on Saturday, the team said on Friday, despite former captain Wendie Renard and record goal-scorer Eugenie Le Sommer being left out of the tournament squad.