Ian Wright was baffled by a Sarina Wiegman decision ahead of the final of the Women’s Euros between England and Spain, confused as to why she gambled on an unfit Lauren James on the left wing.
James came into Sunday’s showpiece with an ankle injury and did not even make it to half time in Basel.
She was substituted after 40 minutes, replaced by Chloe Kelly, after a disappointing performance as the Lionesses struggled to deal with the favourites.
Wright felt it was too much of a gamble for Wiegman to pick James from the start, while he was also surprised by where she was played.
Often on the right flank, the Arsenal legend had called for James to be deployed down the middle, but couldn’t work out why she was played on the left, with defensive responsibilities that were very difficult to fulfil while not at full fitness.
‘Massive risk,’ Wright said on ITV of James’ selection. ‘I think she’s wasted a sub there.
‘She’s obviously not right and not only that, she’s put her on the other side. I said she should have been in the centre, not on the left side!
‘Having to chase back Ona Batlle and chase back Aitana Bonmati when you’re half fit. I think that’s a massive mistake.’
Wiegman said on Friday that she was unsure whether James would be available for the final at that stage, but hoped to have her whole squad up for selection.
‘[We] don’t know yet but that’s what we’re going to go for, for 23 players available for the game,’ she said.
James had been taken off at half-time of the semi-final victory over Italy due to the injury.
England were already 1-0 down when James limped out of the game, with Mariona Caldentey heading in Spain’s opener after 25 minutes.
The goal did come down Spain’s right flank, with Batlle providing the assist.
Things improved for England in the second half, though, and James’ replacement helped conjure up an equaliser after 57 minutes.
Kelly whipped in an excellent, in-swinging cross from the left which was expertly headed home by Alessia Russo and it was game on again.
As the whistle blew to signal the end of 90 minutes, the game was still level at 1-1 and England faced yet another trip into extra-time.
The game continues…