CHELSEA forward Lauren James and major tournament debutant Michelle Agyemang have both been included in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad who will defend England’s title at the European Championship.

James has been absent since April with a hamstring issue but has recovered in time to claim her seat on the plane alongside 19-year-old forward Agyemang, who spent the season on loan at Brighton from Arsenal and scored 41 seconds into her England debut as a substitute against Belgium in April.

Agyemang is one of seven players making their major tournament debuts, while Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze is set for her seventh including four consecutive Euros, one of 13 players who carry over from Wiegman’s 2022 champions.

England boss Wiegman said: “I know this is an exciting day, for the players and also for our fans, and it underlines that the tournament is coming soon.

“Telling the players they have made the squad is always a great moment. They will all give everything to help us make the country proud.

“This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer.

“At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. We would not be here without them.

“As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on July 5.”