England’s bid to retain its UEFA Women's Euro Championship title has been boosted by one of its star players nearing a return to full fitness. Lauren James, who was a major doubt ahead of Sarina Wiegman’s squad selection,

England begin their European Championships title defence against France on Saturday and their opponents have been sweating on the fitness of a key player before the game

France will put on a united front when they play England in their Women's Euro group opener in Zurich on Saturday, the team said on Friday, despite former captain Wendie Renard and record goal-scorer Eugenie Le Sommer being left out of the tournament squad.