England boss Sarina Wiegman has named Lauren James, who has not played since April, in a 23-player squad for next month’s European Championship.
Chelsea forward James has not featured since injuring a hamstring while on international duty with England.
But the 23-year-old, who has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for England, has been a key player for Wiegman.
“It’s not a risk. We have some time. We still have a month. She is training really well and is at the point we hoped she would be at this stage,” said Wiegman.
“Hopefully when she comes into camp she can keep progressing to the first game in July. We don’t see it as a risk.
“I hope she will be available for the first game in the tournament. I don’t know for how many minutes yet. We will have to see.
“We have that friendly against Jamaica [on 29 June] and I hope she will make that too.”
Teenager Michelle Agyemang is an exciting addition, included as one of seven forwards in the squad, despite making only one appearance for the senior team.
The 19-year-old, who has been on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, impressed with a stunning goal 41 seconds into her debut after coming on as a late substitute in a 3-2 defeat by Belgium in April.
Asked if Agyemang can be a “wildcard” off the bench, Wiegman said: “Yeah I think so, I think so. We will see what she can bring.
“I have seen her in training sessions and what she did in Belgium – she can bring something different. I hope she can show that.”
England, who beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley to win Euro 2022, face world number 11 side France in their opening game in Switzerland on 5 July (20:00 BST) and also take on 10th-ranked Netherlands and Wales in a tough group.
The final will be held in Basel on 27 July.
