England return to action in a friendly against Japan with several players looking to earn a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses starting line-up off the back of their WSL performances
England take on Japan on Friday in the first of an international double-header with Sarina Wiegman getting to look at her squad first-hand for the last time in 2022.
She may be without Laura Williamson, Lauren Hemp, Frank Kirby and now Lucy Bronze, following a positive covid test, but it is still a strong England side heading for Spain. After the final week of WSL fixtures last weekend before the Lionesses got together, Mirror Football looks at five players who have given themselves a big chance of making the starting XI.
The clamour for Chelsea ‘s Lauren James has been building throughout the season and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The Londoner wasn’t blessed with opportunities at the Blues last season but is making her mark for the title contenders this time around.
Coming off the back of a double against Aston Villa, James’ impressive start to the season has seen her become a regular call-up for Wiegman. She then produced a fine first-time finish on the way to victory at United, underlining her credentials of starting against Japan.