Lauren James will start the World Cup final on the BENCH for England after returning from two-game ban for stamp, as Ella Toone keeps her starting spot for Spain showdown

Lauren James will start the World Cup final on the BENCH for England after returning from two-game ban for stamp, as Ella Toone keeps her starting spot for Spain showdown

By James Cohen For Mailonline

England’s confirmed line-up for the World Cup final has been revealed, with Lauren James starting the fixture on the bench.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will take on Spain in the tournament’s showpiece event on Sunday and she has named a strong starting line-up for the occasion. 

The starting line-up is as follows: Earps, Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Carter, Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, Hemp, Russo.

There had been much debate as to whether James would earn a starting spot in England’s line-up upon her return to the squad but Wiegman has thought otherwise.

James was sent off during England’s dramatic last-16 victory over Nigeria – where it took spot-kicks to separate the two sides. 

Lauren James has been named on the bench for England’s World Cup final clash with Spain

The Chelsea forward was sent off during England’s last-16 victory over Nigeria

Ella Toone makes her way into the stadium ahead of the Lionesses match with Spain

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James was adjudged to have stamped on Nigeria’s defender Michelle Alozie and received a two-match ban in the tournament. 

Prior to her ban, James had been one of England’s standout performers in the World Cup and had scored three goals in the early stages. 

In her absence, Ella Toone has stepped up and scored some crucial goals for the Lionesses and she’ll be hoping to continue that form against Spain. 

On Wednesday, she lashed home a delightful shot as England overcame Australia 3-1 to book their place in today’s World Cup final against Spain.

Ahead of the final, England boss Wiegman sent one final message to supporters and insisted that her players feel ‘ready’ for the occasion.   

Revealing to The Diary Room, Wiegman said: ‘We are ready. We know what our game plan is. Everyone has recovered really well from the game against Australia. 

‘Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we are in a very good place – so we can’t wait.’

Wiegman also revealed how fan support has helped them reach the final: ‘I know there’s a lot of support from out in England, so I’d really like to thank you for that support. 

‘We can really feel it here and I hope Sunday you’ll support us again and I hope that we will bring you a lot of joy and we play at our best and be successful.’

Sarina Wiegman opted to leave James on the bench despite her three goals in the tournament

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