Lauren James's return to the England squad ahead of the Euro 2025 opener against France presents a significant selection dilemma for Lionesses' manager Sarina Wiegman. After being sidelined since April with a hamstring injury, the Chelsea winger made a timely return to action in England'ssend-off friendly against Jamaica.

James's comeback is a major boost for England as they prepare to defend their European title. Her talent and ability to change a game were evident during England's run to the World Cup final in Australia, where she scored three goals and provided three assists. Teammate Jess Carter highlighted James's impressive return, noting her freshness and sharpness.

However, James's recent injury raises questions about her readiness to start in such a crucial match. Wiegman has acknowledged the need to manage her minutes carefully, indicating that James will likely come off the bench against Jamaica. This cautious approach suggests that Wiegman is still evaluating James's fitness level and match sharpness.

The Lionesses have been drawn in a challenging group alongside France, the Netherlands, and Wales. Their opening match against France is set for July 5th in Zurich. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, a strong start is crucial.

Wiegman faces a complex decision in determining James's role in the opener. While James's talent is undeniable, Wiegman must weigh the risks of starting her against the potential impact she could have as a substitute. The manager also has to consider the form and fitness of other key players, such as Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead and Alessia Russo.

Despite the selection headache, James insists that the Euro 2025 is a "new era" for the Lionesses, rather than a title defence. With several new faces in the squad, including seven players set to appear at their first major tournament, James believes the team has a fresh hunger and desire to succeed.

Ultimately, Wiegman's decision on how to utilize Lauren James will be pivotal to England's chances of success at Euro 2025. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, James's presence in the squad provides a significant boost and adds another dimension to England's attack. The manager's tactical acumen and ability to integrate James effectively will be crucial as England aim to navigate a tough group and defend their European crown.