England star Lauren James given Murray Mints ahead of Spain Women's World Cup final
Lauren James has been praised by Emma Hayes ahead of England Women's World Cup final clash with Spain
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Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has revealed she gave Lauren James some Murray Mints ahead of Sunday's Women's World Cup final.
England will do battle with Spain having beaten Australia 3-1 on Wednesday following goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
James was unable to play against Australia, while she also missed the 2-1 win over Colombia having received a straight red card in the round of 16.
And Hayes, who manages the 21-year-old at Chelsea, has now amusingly revealed she's given her star forward some Murray Mints prior to the match with Spain.
Emma Hayes has given Lauren James some Murray Mints ahead of Women's World Cup final
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"I think you know, I'm a manager but picking someone else's team is not my job, it's Sarina's," she said when asked if James should start.
"Those players are prepared for whatever happens and for whatever team Sarina picks. I'm sure Lauren would be ready.
"First of all it's about England as a team and England as a whole and they have all stepped up and filled in, whether that's Katie Zelem who filled in for Keira Walsh or Ella Toone at least filling in for Lauren James after that quarter-final.
"Lauren is an outstanding player and will go on to contribute many more moments for both club and country.
"As always she will be reflective and will move forward with that.
"I have (spoken to her), always (to wish her luck) and to bring her some Murray Mints. She loves Murray Mints."
James was outstanding before her red card against Nigeria.
The Chelsea star scored the only goal of the game as England beat Denmark on matchday two.
And she then followed that up with a terrific brace as England hammered China 6-1 in their final game of the group stages.
Right now, however, it's unclear if James will be unleashed from the start as England prepare to tackle Spain.
Meanwhile, England star Alessia Russo faced the media ahead of Sunday's blockbuster final.
And she admitted players felt 'disconnected' from the fans back home as they prepare for the biggest match of their lives.
"We noticed a big difference during the Euros. The way the country got behind us was incredible," she said.
"The Australian support has been amazing ever since we touched down, everyone's been so welcoming and supportive. You've seen it with the stadium sell-outs.
"People keep telling us the support back home is amazing.
"We're so grateful, our fans mean a lot to us.
"We feel a little disconnected to it right now as players because all our focus is on the game but hopefully we can see them and celebrate with them when we're back."
Russo also hailed manager Sarina Wiegman, praising the 53-year-old for the way she gets the best from her players.
"The first thing that comes to mind is that she's a winner," she said.
"She sets the standard so high everyday in training and she leads with real class.
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Lauren James has been training ahead of England's final clash with Spain
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"It's great for us as players because it's so competitive and we're all focused on the same goal.
"Away from the pitch, she lets us enjoy our own time and switch off which is really important.
"She's honest and up front and that's something as a player I really respect."