Lionesses suffer injury blow as Lauren James is ruled out of Belgium double-header

Lauren James will miss England's Women's Nations League double header against Belgium due to concussion protocols. The Chelsea star won't be able to participate as the Lionesses aim to stay in the running for another continental championship.

Under Sarina Wiegman's leadership, England began their Nations League campaign with a win over Scotland and a loss to the Netherlands.

They are now preparing to take on Belgium at the King Power Stadium in Leicester this Friday, followed by a match against the same opponents at The King Power At Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven next Tuesday.

Wiegman has a wealth of talent at her disposal for these matches, but Lauren James won't be part of the lineup.

Wiegman provided an update on her squad, saying, "Lauren is not ready, and she won't be ready for Tuesday either. She sustained a concussion, and as you know, we must be cautious and adhere to the protocol, so it's too soon for the upcoming two games.

"Lauren James was part of the England squad that reached the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup and has earned 18 caps for her country, scoring four goals.

England will need to find cover against Belgium, with players like Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, and Jess Park vying for attacking positions alongside strikers Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly.