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England have been handed a major fitness boost ahead of their pivotal World Cup qualifier against Spain, as Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Lauren James is fully fit and ready to play. The Lionesses head to Mallorca knowing that even a draw will be enough to confirm their qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, over a year in advance.

Lauren James cleared to travel for Mallorca showdown

The Lionesses received encouraging news ahead of Friday’s highly anticipated encounter, with star attacker Lauren James declared fit for selection. After a minor injury concern over the weekend, head coach Sarina Wiegman confirmed that the Chelsea forward has recovered well and resumed full training with the national squad.

Sharing updates on James and fellow returnee Ella Toone, Wiegman told the media: “Lauren has been doing well. She needed a short recovery period after that moment at the weekend [in the World Sevens], but she was able to return to training quickly, which is very positive. Ella has worked really hard to get back. We have many good midfielders, and she brings a different quality. It’s great to have that option within our team. She’s ready to go, and we’ll see how things unfold tomorrow.”

Wiegman insists on victory to confirm qualification

Although England only need a draw to seal their place in the 2027 World Cup, Wiegman made it clear that her side will settle for nothing less than a win. The Lionesses currently lead Group A3 with a flawless record, three points ahead of second-placed Spain. The Dutch coach is eager to secure qualification early to allow more time for long-term planning and preparation.

Explaining her approach, Wiegman said: “We go into the match wanting to win. That’s our mindset. We’ll step onto the pitch tomorrow aiming for three points. We’re in a strong position, and we want to qualify as soon as possible. We want to finish top of the group. It’s a tough group and a difficult game – for both teams. Securing qualification early gives us more time to prepare for what’s ahead. We understand the stakes, and while we’ll have other chances if needed, our goal is to go out there and win.”

Renewed rivalry with the world champions

This fixture brings added intensity, as it marks another chapter in the growing rivalry between England and Spain. The Spanish side famously defeated the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup final, but England have since regained momentum, winning three of their last four meetings, including a 1-0 triumph at Wembley in April.

Looking ahead to the tactical battle, Wiegman commented: “We know Spain really well and understand the type of players they have. But they have more than just 11 top players – they’ve got depth and options across the pitch. We’re preparing for every possibility. Challenging matches always bring out our best. We face challenges in every game, and our aim is to perform at the highest level each time. We want to build on our last game against Spain and keep improving. Every match is an opportunity to get better, and this one is no different.”

Lionesses adjust to life without Williamson

Although captain Leah Williamson remains sidelined, Wiegman expressed full confidence in her squad’s ability to take on Sonia Bermudez’s Spain. Avoiding defeat in Mallorca will confirm England’s qualification for their 10th Women’s World Cup, rendering their final qualifier against Ukraine at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on June 9 a formality.

Reflecting on Williamson’s absence, Wiegman said: “It’s obviously disappointing that Leah is injured – firstly for her, and also for us. But we’ve had to move forward quickly because we need to focus on the players available. I believe we have a very strong team. We’ve played without Leah before, and I’m confident in the squad we have.”