Lauren James ban prolonged as England dealt bitter World Cup blow

Lauren James will miss England‘s subsequent two matches on the Women’s World Cup following her crimson card for a stamp in opposition to Nigeria. The 21-year-old was initially anticipated to take a seat out of England’s last-eight assembly with Colombia however may even miss the semi-final, ought to the Lionesses make it by means of, after her ban was prolonged by FIFA.

James had been one among England’s greatest performers on the match earlier than letting herself down by stamping on Nigeria forward Michelle Alozie, which resulted in a straight crimson card. She was initially booked by the referee earlier than a VAR intervention noticed her punishment upgraded to a sending-off.

Red card offences would sometimes result in a one-match ban however FIFA have determined to double the size of James’ suspension after the incident was reviewed by their disciplinary committee. It implies that she’s going to miss Saturday’s quarter-final assembly in opposition to Colombia in addition to a possible semi-final in opposition to both Australia or France subsequent week.

James would then have the ability to return to England obligation ought to the Lionesses make it by means of to the Women’s World Cup remaining, which is because of be performed on Sunday, August 20.

She issued a public apology to Nigeria striker Alozie earlier this week with a message on Twitter, which learn: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”

England boss Sarina Wiegman was additionally fast to defend James following the incident, saying: “They are in such an intense game and such a high-intensity, emotional game, and in a split second she lost her emotions. Of course she apologised and she felt really, really bad, absolutely she doesn’t want to hurt anyone.

“This was a second, it was a cut up second, it was later within the sport, so gamers additionally get slightly drained, she’s an inexperienced participant on this stage and he or she’s achieved rather well. I feel in a cut up second she simply misplaced her feelings. Of course she does not wish to damage anybody, she’s the sweetest particular person I do know.

“Things happen like that, you can’t change it any more, it’s a huge lesson to learn but of course it’s not something she’s done on purpose.”

James had been having fun with a spell of unimaginable type for England earlier than her sending-off in opposition to Nigeria, chipping in with three objectives and three assists within the match’s group phases. Her spectacular brace and hat-trick of assists within the 6-1 victory over China noticed her develop into the primary England participant, male or feminine, to be instantly concerned in 5 objectives in a World Cup match.

Want the newest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.