Lauren James dealt serious blow! Chelsea confirm Lioness is set to miss 'a period of time' after picking up injury during Lionesses' Euro 2025 triumph

The Blues have issued a statement that will disappoint fans who had hoped to see James following her heroics for the Lionesses this summer. The west London club have not put a timescale on her return, but only confirmed that the injury was suffered while on international duty. 

James was taken off at half-time during the Euro semi-final clash with Italy after suffering an ankle injury. And while she recovered enough to start the final against Spain, she was hauled off five minutes before half-time, replaced by Chloe Kelly, whose decisive penalty shootout goal retained the crown for Sarina Wiegman's side. 

A club statement said: "Chelsea can confirm Lauren James sustained an injury while on international duty with England at Euro 2025 and will be sidelined for a period of time. The Blues forward helped the Lionesses win the tournament - starting four matches, including the final against Spain, and scoring twice - but sustained an injury en route to England being crowned European champions. James is now back with Chelsea and will undergo a period of rehabilitation with the club."

James can bask in the glory of the Euro 2025 victory, while her teammates begin task of defending their Women's Super League crown, again. The Blues are on a remarkable run of five WSL title wins and begin the defence of their crown against Manchester City on September 5.