James will be ready if England call, says Chelsea manager Hayes

SYDNEY : England forward Lauren James will be ready to go if selected to play in the Women's World Cup final against Spain after serving her two-match ban, her club manager at Chelsea, Emma Hayes, said on Friday.

James was one of the best players in the tournament in the group stage but missed England's last two matches after receiving a red card for stamping on an opponent in the last 16 match against Nigeria.

Hayes, whose Chelsea team also includes England defenders Millie Bright and Jess Carter, said she had been in touch with James and confirmed the 21-year-old was excited to be in the frame for selection on Sunday.

"Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country," she told reporters in Sydney.

"As always, she will be reflective and she's moved forward from (the red card) and she's very excited to be available for the final.

"Those players are prepared for whatever happens, whatever team (coach) Sarina (Wiegman) picks, I'm sure Lauren will be ready."

Hayes said Wiegman had provided the leader that a "golden generation" of England players needed to fulfil their potential on the global stage, and was certain they would all be prepared for Sunday.

"It's what they've trained for for years ... delivering the job under pressure," she added.

"England have amazing leaders, it's not just Millie Bright, it's across the team. Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Rachel Daly.

"There's senior players there that know how to deliver on all fronts, and collectively as a team. They're ready."

Hayes said she would be backing England to claim a first world title on Sunday but did not think it would be easy.

"I think Spain will try to pin England into a five back so