Jess Carter and Lauren James were both included in England’s starting line-up for the Euro 2025 final against Spain in Basel.
Gotham FC defender Carter’s inclusion in the starting XI was manager Sarina Wiegman’s only change from Tuesday’s semi-final victory over Italy, when she elected to play Esme Morgan in defence.
Chelsea forward James was forced off with an ankle issue in that final-four comeback, but trained with Wiegman’s squad on Saturday morning.
Your #Lionesses for the final! 🌟🏴 pic.twitter.com/K5E76kPx7R
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025
Carter started the Lionesses’ first four matches in Switzerland, revealing before the semi-final that she had been targeted by racist abuse on social media and would be taking a step back from the platforms.
Wiegman later confirmed the decision to start Morgan was purely tactical, and Carter was welcomed warmly when introduced as a late substitute in that contest.
There were two changes for Spain as centre-back Laia Aleixandri returned from suspension to replace Maria Mendez and forward Athenea del Castillo earned a start in place of Claudia Pina.
