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'We just didn't take any risks' - Lionesses star Lauren James withdrawn from Belgium victory due to hamstring issue, England boss Sarina Wiegman confirms

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Article continues below

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  • England cruised to 5-0 win over Belgium on Friday
  • But James was withdrawn at half-time
  • Wiegman confirms substitution due to a knock
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    James came off at half-time during England's demolition of Belgium, having provided the first of the Lionesses' five goals. The Chelsea star whipped in a perfect cross for club-mate Bronze to head home and break the deadlock, but had to be withdrawn after playing just 45 minutes.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Any significant setback would be a real blow for James, who only recently returned from a three-month injury lay-off. The winger sustained a foot problem before Christmas and missed a huge chunk of Chelsea's season, but has been excellent for them since coming back into the fray. The Blues have some massive games on the horizon too, including a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona later this month.

  • WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

    Speaking about James' injury after the game, Wiegman said: "She had a small moment on her leg. We just didn't take any risks and took her out straight away. It's really [soon] after the game, so I really don't know how it is now. It was, I think, her hamstring."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    This news is particularly significant given it came just a few hours after Chloe Kelly had to withdraw from the England squad due to a foot problem. That leaves England a little lacking in wide areas ahead of Tuesday's rematch against Belgium, though Beth Mead's lively performance in Friday's win was at least encouraging in that regard.

    Speaking about Kelly's absence, Wiegman added: "We expect it not to be too serious but it's a short time until Tuesday. We knew it was going to be tight so we assessed her again last night and realised it was a little bit too early. Hopefully that will not take too long."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

    The Lionesses will now make the short journey to Belgium to face the Red Flames again in the Nations League on Tuesday, in Leuven. England are currently top of their Nations League group and will hope to stay there with another good result, though could be without James for the clash depending on the severity of this knock.