England star Lauren James said that she had no doubts that she would be fit for this summer’s European Championships.
The Chelsea forward suffered a hamstring injury during England’s 5-0 win over Belgium back in April which ruled her out for the remainder of the Women’s Super League campaign.
There were fears that she could also be set to miss out on the upcoming Euros, which will take place in Switzerland.
James made just nine WSL appearances for Sonia Bompastor’s unbeaten Blues last season, scoring three times, but she insisted that she “felt good” as the Lionesses prepare for their title defence next month.
"I never really doubted myself, because I think as soon as you have a doubt in your head, then it's always negative thoughts,” James said.
“I always had in my head that I was going to make it. Obviously I didn't tell people that. I took it day by day.
“Lucy [Bronze] and I always kept in touch. She always would say, 'You'll be there.' Then obviously having that support, it always makes you kind of think, 'Oh, yeah, I'll be there as well.'"
James will play in her second major tournament in England colours, while Chelsea team-mate and close friend Bronze will feature in her seventh.
Bronze, the former Barcelona full-back, said that her club-mate had taken her game to “another level”, but emphasised that she had to look after herself following persistent injury problems.
"This season she's improved past what other people have expected,” Bronze said of James.
“I always knew she was capable of what we've seen this year. She's taken her game to another level.
“If she'd been fit all season, Chelsea could have had an even better season and England's results could have been better as well, because we all know that she's that good.
"But it's important that she looks after herself. Like she said about being injured, she's always been focused on coming back and being 100 percent. It's important that we're all aware that she's coming back from injury.”
I always knew she was capable of what we've seen this year. She's taken her game to another level
Bronze hailed James as one of the best forwards in the world - alongside her other compatriots - and said that Sarina Wiegman had the necessary tools to win the games that really matter.
“She doesn't need to put pressure on herself to win England a game because we have some of the best forwards in the world playing in the England squad,” Bronze continued.
“Obviously, LJ is one of them, but we have plenty of players to dig in, put in performances and get us results.”
England’s Euro 2025 campaign begins on Saturday, July 5 at the Letzigrund in Zurich, where they face France. Wales and the Netherlands complete Group D.
Before they fly to Switzerland, Wiegman’s side host Jamaica on Sunday, June 29 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester in their final warm-up match before the tournament.
