Lauren James could be selected again after serving her two-game suspension, but should she be selected to start? Photo: Getty Images/Sue McKay.
Lauren James started the World Championship like a house on fire, despite not starting the Lionesses' opening group match. The Chelsea striker scored three goals and provided three assists in three matches, including twice in China's 6-1 rout.
The 21-year-old was quickly becoming one of the tournament's standout stars than for a red card in a match with Nigeria for a stamp on Michelle Alozi, she was suspended for two games.
Now Sarina Wigman has a huge selection headache ahead of Sunday's final against Spain. Does she reinstate James or stay with Ella Thun, who has thrived in her absence?
Our writers choose their XIs for the big game:
Tom Harry Tom Harry's England team will play Spain
When it comes to selection, Wigman places great value on two key things: experience and consistency. With that in mind, and given the tense environment leading up to the World Cup final, I think it's unlikely she'll make any unforced changes. This team just had the best result of the summer in the semi-finals.
Defenders have been determined, the two strikers are building a promising partnership and Thun's confidence has skyrocketed since her goal against the Australians. James is available after a disqualification and can provide a deadly offensive threat from the bench, but at 21, in her first tournament, she may be best suited for a super-substitute role, with more experienced, battle-hardened heads getting the nod again.
A huge amount of custom work will be required, and everyone in this squad has what it takes.
Luke Edwards Luke Edwards' England team will play Spain
It may seem cruel to Thuna, who scored a stunning goal in the semi-finals and also scored hugely important goals in the Euros last summer, but James has something special to reveal in the final, now she's back from suspension. Thun hasn't played particularly well in this tournament, except for her goal against Australia.
Oliver Brown Oliver Brown's England team will play Spain
The World Cup final is not the moment when you need to change something for its sake. The most striking feature of England's semi-final performance was how united they seemed, with each player perfectly understanding their role. The only question to be decided is what to do with James. Although the Chelsea striker is available again, I believe she should be used from the bench and not in the starting lineup. Leaving her fully up to speed after a two-match suspension could upset this team's precious balance.
Fiona Thomas Fiona Thomas's England team will play Spain
If it's not broken, don't. t fix it. As tempting as it is to get James back in the starting XI, Thun has more than proven herself as a cog in England's attack and should enjoy this last dance. As frustrating as this may be for Chloe Kelly, she is best used as a striker if things get tense late on. Weaknesses in the Lionesses' defense that were identified early in the tournament and have since been ironed out, so the backline hasn't changed. Against a Spanish team with all the baggage hanging over them from a feud with their head coach Jorge Wilda, England could lose the World Cup.
Choose your England XI squad to take on Spain…Choose your England team to fight her. face spain
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