Lauren James has been handed a two-match suspension for her stamp in the World Cup last-16 win over Nigeria and will therefore only be available again in this tournament if the Lionesses reach the final.
The 21-year-old saw red after treading on Michelle Alozie’s back during the second half of England’s match against Nigeria on Monday.
England went on to scrape past Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, while James – so crucial to the Lionesses progressing from the groups thanks to three goals and three assists – apologised afterwards for the incident likened to David Beckham’s sending-off in 1998.
“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” she said on social media in response to Alozie, who herself had called for calm after James’ dismissal.
James added: “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.”
The Chelsea star then faced an anxious wait with regards to whether Fifa would extend her suspension from one match, and on Thursday a disciplinary committee decided on two games, meaning that if England beat Colombia in their quarter-final on Saturday she would also miss the semi-final against Australia or France.
This does however free James to play in the final, should England get there, which takes place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August.
Prior to Fifa’s decision, England had also released the following statement: “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse. It is wholly out of character for her.
“We will be supporting Lauren throughout and will be putting forward representation on her behalf.
“We fully respect Fifa’s disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made.”
Nigeria’s Alozie, meanwhile, had posted: “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”
How England could line-up without Lauren James
Katherine Lucas is out in Australia and New Zealand for the World Cup, and here she assesses England’s options for their upcoming quarter-final without James…
Option one: Bring back Toone, 3-5-2
Against Colombia, whom they face in the quarter-finals, the most straightforward solution would be to stick with the 3-5-2 and bring back Ella Toone. Despite Walsh being subbed in extra time against Nigeria, Wiegman confirmed she was simply “cramping a little bit”, which suggests England could otherwise go unchanged.
Toone would slot straight back into the No 10 role she was occupying before being replaced by James.
Option two: Kelly starts, 4-3-3
Strangely, it seems out of favour now – but it remains England’s most tried and tested system under Wiegman. The difficulty is not shackling Rachel Daly at left-back. Against Haiti, Daly did not start at all, but that is a waste of a player who is simultaneously their best left-back and one of their quickest attackers.
Lucy Bronze could drop into a more conventional right-back role with Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood making up the back four, with a midfield three of Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Daly on the wing. Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp could start either side of Alessia Russo, with Beth England used as an impact sub.
Option three: 4-2-3-1, Daly at left-back
In a slight variation, Walsh and Stanway could hold the fort in midfield and England could look to overload Colombia with three players behind Russo. Daly would retreat to left-back, Bronze at right-back and Bright and Greenwood at centre-back, albeit Jess Carter would be unfortunate to lose her place.
Wiegman would not be short of options behind Russo with Toone, Daly, Hemp and Kelly all possibilities, though it would risk leaving the Lionesses off balance. James started the pre-World Cup warm-up match against Portugal on the right – though that was with Daly starting up front instead of Russo.
i‘s verdict (3-5-2): Earps; Bright, Carter, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, Daly; Hemp, Russo
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