England have named an unchanged starting XI for today’s Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
Ella Toone gets the nod over Lauren James in midfield as Sarina Wiegman sticks with the side that won the last two games.
James was sent off in England’s last-16 win over Nigeria when she stamped on forward Michelle Alozie.
Toone has taken her place since then and the midfielder scored in Wednesday’s semi-final win over Australia.
Wiegman had confirmed James is ready to play, but Toone was expected to keep her place in the team.
“I said after that game, it was just a moment and of course she regretted that moment straight away and she apologised, she’s punished for that and we know it should not be part of football,” said Wiegman, when asked about James.
“Sometimes when you’re not that experienced at this level, some fatigue gets in the game and you have a split second where you lose your emotions and that happens.
“It’s a mistake, a hard-learning lesson but she’s ready to play again.”
England XI: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; Toone; Russo, Hemp.
