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Chelsea boss Emma Hayes backs Lauren James to be ready for England's World Cup final on Sunday if Sarina Wiegman names her to the starting XI - as the Lioness' red card ban comes to an end

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says Lauren James would be ready to start England’s World Cup final if called upon by manager Sarina Wiegman.

James was sent off in the round of 16 fixture with Nigeria and missed the quarter-final and semi-final victories. But the forward was only given a two-game ban and is now available for selection again.

Hayes, who was speaking at FIFA’s women’s football convention in Sydney, said she had spoken to James and that the forward would be prepared if she was given the nod.

‘I think you know, I’m a manager but picking someone else’s team is not my job, it’s Sarina’s,’ Hayes said when asked whether James should start.