Gary Lineker makes Lauren James and David Beckham comparison after red card

07 August 2023 , 09:38

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Lauren James of England stamps on Michelle Alozie of Nigeria (Image: Getty)

Gary Lineker has dubbed Lauren James' red card against Nigeria as a "moment of madness" - likening it to David Beckham's dismissal at the 1998 World Cup.

James was initially given a yellow card after appearing to stamp on Michelle Alozie in England's round-of-16 clash with Nigeria, but VAR intervened and the card was upgraded. The Chelsea star will face a three-match ban, meaning even if Sarina Wiegman's side progress, her World Cup is over.

And now Lineker has taken to social media to liken the altercation to Beckham's infamous red card against Argentina in France. Posting on Twitter, Lineker said: "The @Lionesses down to 10 as Lauren James has a Beckhamesque moment of madness."

Beckham was dismissed for a kick out at Diego Simeone during England's World Cup round-of-16 tie against the South Americans.

The Three Lions would go on to be knocked out in a penalty shootout, and the nation directed most of their anger at the Manchester United prodigy. After being vilified for months by football fans, Beckham eventually managed to turn his international career around, captaining England and earning 115 caps over a 14-year period.

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The now-Inter Miami owner opened up on the relentless criticism he faced in a interview with former England and United team-mate Gary Neville last year.

Beckham told the Overlap: "When I look back on my career and talk about regrets, I wish that never happened. But on the flip side, if it didn't happen, I might not have had the career that I had.

David Beckham aims a kick at Diego Simeone. (Getty)

"It's probably harsh to say I still feel let down [by team-mates] but I look back at that moment - we were young. I made a mistake but there's certain people in football you expect to get behind you no matter what. We always had that at United, but I felt let down.

"I don't think I've ever been as emotional as I was coming out of that ground and seeing my mum and dad. I was crying uncontrollable sobbing, which is slightly embarrassing. At the time, the Argentina coach was going past and they were all banging [on the window]."

James' dismissal against Nigeria came in the 87th minute in Brisbane, with the score still at 0-0. Nigeria had been much the better side, striking the crossbar twice as England held on to force extra time and penalties.

But it was Chloe Kelly, the match-winner for the Lionesses at last summer's Euros, who spared James' blushes, notching the winning penalty to send England through to the quarter-finals.

Beth Lindop