'We can't change what happened'

Lauren James says England cannot do anything about the situation they find themselves in and simply have to beat Greece across their two-legged Women's World Cup qualification play-off in order to keep their place at next summer's tournament alive.

England face Greece away in Crete on Friday before hosting the same opposition four days later at Leicester's King Power Stadium, having finished second in qualifying Group 3 behind Spain on goal difference.

"We can't change what happened and that's where we are now," James told Sky Sports News. "I think we have to just try to look forward to win these games.

"That's always our goal at the end of the day, and the position we're in at the moment is, we have to win in order to get to somewhere.

"The World Cup's a massive tournament that you always want to be a part of and it's everyone's dream from a little kid. So, to go there and get another opportunity again, it's obviously something we're all trying to aim for."

James: 'The best is still yet to come'

Should England progress past Greece, Sarina Wiegman's side will face the winner of the Slovakia versus Ukraine tie, with the team that comes through that securing qualification for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

James, who signed a new contract earlier this year, arrives in camp in strong club form, with second-placed Chelsea having dropped just two points from five league games this season. The forward, Chelsea's player of the year in 2024, believes there is more to come from her.

"I'm always looking forward to coming into camp with England and getting another opportunity to play games for the country," she said. "I think it always helps massively when you're doing well with your club, which obviously is why you get called up for your country. Hopefully I can just build the momentum and keep going.

"Every time I put on a shirt, whether it's for club or country, I always want to just show what I'm made of. The more you play, the more you have rhythm and I like to just play free. And I think the best is still yet to come. I'm just trying to enjoy my football and look forward to the things that are coming up."

Potter 'really surprised' by first England call-up

Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter admits she was "surprised" to earn her first England call-up ahead of the World Cup play-off fixtures.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to the campaign after being given a run of starts under Blues boss Sonia Bompastor. Potter has played a part in all four of Chelsea's victories in the Women's Super League this season and got herself on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win over Birmingham last month.

The youngster learned of her call-up while in her bedroom at her family home, before sharing her delight with her mother.

"I've been really lucky and grateful for the opportunities I've been given at Chelsea and when I got the call, I was really surprised," Potter said. "I like to stay focused every day and be the best version of myself and don't like to think too far ahead.

"I was at home, I still live at home so I was just in my room watching my phone a bit and then when I got the call I was really happy and went downstairs and told my mum and she was really proud of me."

Qualification picture

England are in the play-offs after missing out on an automatic place, with Spain, France, Germany and Denmark having already sealed direct spots for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman brushed off questions over her expiring contract on 30 September, insisting her sole focus was on guiding the Lionesses through the play-offs.