Lauren James experienced injuries during Euro 2025 that limited her ability to perform and enjoy England's tournament victory. Injury in the quarter-final against Sweden required treatment and will keep her out of the start of Chelsea's 2025-26 campaign. She started all six games as England retained the European title but struggled in later stages, being substituted at half-time in the semi-final against Italy and in the first half of the final against Spain. Criticism from fans compounded the physical challenges, and concerns about racial abuse influenced her reaction after a missed penalty in the Sweden shootout.
"A lot of the time fans don't know what is going on, they only know what is in front of them," she said. "They don't know what someone is dealing with, what is going on in their life. I always say to the fans, be mindful, you don't know what someone is dealing with out there. You could just be adding on to it."
"James was viewed as a key figure for England manager Sarina Wiegman in their European campaign in Switzerland, and started all six games as the Lionesses retained their title. But in the latter stages of the competition, she struggled to produce her best form and injury meant she was taken off at half-time in the semi-final against Italy, as well as during the first-half of the final win over Spain. It transpired James had suffered an injury against Sweden that will now keep her out of the start of Chelsea's 2025-26 campaign."
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