Lionesses dealt major injury blow for final Euro 2025 qualifiers

Lauren James has been ruled out of England's squad for the final two Euro 2025 qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden through injury.

Sarina Wiegman’s side are currently third in Group A3 with seven points, sitting behind second-placed Sweden on goal difference with France leading the way on nine points. 

The Lionesses managed to secure an important victory over France last month, helping to boost their qualification hopes having lost to the group leaders just three days earlier.

The remaining two fixtures are crucial for England, despite the ability to come top of the group being out of their hands. However, finishing second place will still be enough for them to book their place in Switzerland next summer. 

All 25 players jetted out to the Netherlands on 1 July to take part in the preparation camp, which will see them play a behind closed doors game against the Dutch on 4 July. However, along with James, Kayla Rendell and Lotte-Wubben Moy are also missing from the squad and will continue their rehabilitation at their respective clubs. 

Although Mary Earps and Niamh Charles are still unable to play due to injury, they will travel to the Netherlands to continue their rehab within the England set-up. Georgia Stanway will also remain with Bayern Munich for now as they’ve already started their pre-season training, and will link up with the Lionesses on Monday week. 

Orlando Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse has received her first senior call-up, helping to plug the gap left by Earps. She will join the squad for training at St George’s Park on 8 July, after completing club commitments.

The Lionesses take on the Republic of Ireland on 12 July at Carrow Road, followed by an away trip against Sweden on 16 July.

The Republic of Ireland cannot qualify automatically after losing all four of their group matches, but will be given one last chance when they enter play-offs. The play-off draw has been scheduled for 19 July, with the first of two legs taking place between 23-29 October, and the second between 27 November - 3 December. 

The tournament will be played in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July 2025. 

Lionesses 25-player squad in full

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (unattached), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Man City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Lucy Thomas (Birmingham City)*

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (unattached), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Maya Le Tissier (Man Utd), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Millie Turner (Man Utd), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Man Utd), Missy Bo Kearns (Liverpool), Fran Kirby (unattached), Jess Park (Man City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Man Utd), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Man City), Chloe Kelly (man City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Jess Naz (Tottenham), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

*Thomas will return to Birmingham after the preparation week is over

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