Fara Williams says the ‘phenomenal’ Lauren James deserves her starting spot when England take on Spain.
The nations will battle it out in the final of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, with coverage kicking off at 10am on the BBC.
Lauren James will be allowed to play following her two-match suspension after stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.
The Chelsea star, 21, now has her shot at redemption, says Fara.
She told Metro: ‘No one knows the predicted line-up, but Sarina usually is a creature of habit
‘With Lauren James being back in selection, it could be a problem for Sarina. Given the performance of the girls against the Matildas, it will be really hard to drop anybody.
‘If I was Sarina – I would start Lauren. I’m one of those people who thinks you should have your best players out on the pitch.
‘Lauren has had a phenomenal tournament and yes, she made a huge mistake, but I think she knows that and will want to make up for that. She’ll be motivated her to do something special for her team.
‘So if I’m putting on my coaches hat, I’d say start her. The team is in good spirits going into this and I think it’s going to be a very competitive – and close – final.’
Spain reached the World Cup final with a disjointed squad following several high-profile disagreements.
Coach Jorges Vilda – whose father Angel is head of the women’s department at the Spanish FA – has been urged to step down in the wake of the scandal.
On the issue, Fara added: ‘I’ve got a couple friends who used to play for the national team and they are really divided because of everything that has gone on behind the scenes.
‘We don’t know too much about it, we know what reaches the surface. Regardless of what has happened, Spain have proven that against the odds – and even when their backs are against it – they’re able to come back in games.
‘We saw in the Sweden game when Sweden equalised really late on, Spain were able to find a way back.
‘The best two teams in the tournaments are in the final and I think it will be a great spectacle for the women’s game.’
Fara – currently on punditry duty with the BBC – touched down in Australia last week, in time to watch and commentate on England’s semi-final in person.
She has hailed the ‘amazing’ efforts the nation has made to celebrate the historic World Cup.
‘It’s plastered round the city, the hype is amazing.’ she continued.
‘I’ve been in bars and spoke to guys who never watched the Matildas at all. Now they’ve followed their journey in the World Cup, brought their families and been really excited.
‘There’s been a brilliant push to get the country behind Australia. I’m hoping now they’ve been knocked out, that support can still continue.’
England’s defiant win over Australia will always be a fantastic memory for Fara, but there’s one World Cup moment that has made an even bigger impact.
‘Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina wearing the hijab was amazing to see.
‘There’s people doing a lot of great work in areas like inner-city London – such as my best friend Eartha who is on my podcast Boots, Balls & Bras with me – in boosting diversity.
‘Girls can’t be what they can’t see.
‘The fact Benzina wore a hijab will inspire so many people and will reach a big audience in growing the game. That was a really special moment that stood out for me.’
Fara is determined that the grassroot level of women’s football is bolstered further following yet more success from the Lionesses in a major tournament.
There are still girls unable to access sessions, or perhaps aren’t given enough time to prepare for life as a footballer.
Fara added: ‘We talk about inspiring a new generation. The girls have obviously won and become role models, but they need the opportunity to play more regularly.
‘Training twice a week at academy level isn’t really enough to get them ready for senior football. I think that’s half the problem with ACLs, they aren’t prepared for the intensity of training.
‘So I’d love to see that change after the World Cup.’
Coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final is live on BBC One & BBC iPlayer from 10am on Sunday morning. Fara Williams will provide punditry alongside Alex Scott, Ellen White and Jonas Eidevall.
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