Heartbroken England star's dressing room response after World Cup red card
Heartbroken Lauren James apologised to her England teammates following the World Cup red card which could see her miss the rest of the tournament.
The brave Lionesses are through to the World Cup quarter-finals following a nail-biting penalty shoot out win over Nigeria - but after James' repeat of the infamous France '98 red card for David Beckham, she now faces not playing again in Australia..
The 21-year-old saw red after she stood on Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie rather than step over her, after a challenge between the pair left both on the floor. Haunting memories of Beckham’s red card against Argentina which cost England the game 25 years ago were echoing in the minds of nervous supporters around Brisbane stadium.
But in a rewrite of football history, the Lionesses clinched victory after Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Beth England buried their penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout win. They will play either Colombia or Jamaica in Saturday’s quarter final.
But James’ World Cup is now hanging in the balance. She will definitely miss the last eight showdown, but could be banned for up to three-matches for violent conduct.
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England fan Sully Ahmed, 48, of Vancouver, Canada, said: “There were real shades of David Beckham in 1998 with the sending off. Only this time England went through because they actually played better after the red card.”
Defender Lucy Bronze, 31, admitted that James was upset as she realised that her World Cup could be over. Bronze said: “She is very upset - there is no one going to be more upset than Lauren James.”
Lauren James of England after being sent off vs Nigeria (Jose Breton/NurPhoto)England boss Sarina Wiegman spoke with James immediately after the game. She said that the young star ‘lost her emotions’ but she did not want to make assumptions about whether she will be banned for three games. There is an automatic one match ban, but James could return for a semi final if that is not extended to three, and England win on Saturday.
Wiegman added: “I have not experienced so many problems before. The red card was a moment of a split second and it was late in the game and it was an inexperienced player.
Lauren James of England treads on Michelle Alozie of Nigeria (FIFA via Getty Images)
She was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after VAR intervened (James Whitehead/SPP/REX/Shutterstock)“You are talking about a split second and she lost her emotions. She did not want to hurt anybody, she is the sweetest person that I know. It is a huge lesson but it is something that she did not do on purpose. She apologised and felt really bad."
On her potential ban, Wiegman added: "Let’s not make assumptions (about her ban), about things that are yet to be decided.”
Chloe Kelly grabbed the winning spot kick as the Lionesses roared (Getty Images)Relieved fans who had been on the edge of their seats flooded onto the streets and celebrated by supping pints in local bars.
University pals Sam Rule and Annie Wilkins had met up halfway around the world to watch them win. Sam, 44, from Morpeth, Northumberland, had hopped a plane from her teaching job in Jakarta, Indonesia, while fellow teacher Annie, 47, had jetted in all the way from Leeds, West Yorks.
Sam said: “I’m absolutely buzzing, we are keeping the party going all night.”
Ex-pat George Gallantree, 45, formed Brisbane’s Barmy Army after moving from South London 15 years ago. Parading around in a George-flag suit with matching top hat, he said: “I can’t go too crazy with the celebrations because it’s a school night, but I think this suit will need a wash.”
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The Prince and Princess of Wales, Gary Lineker and England boss Sarina Wiegman praised the fierce fighting spirit of the Lionesses. William and Kate praised the team’s “hard-fought” victory after England beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties on Monday.
Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker dubbed the side “Kelly’s heroines” after substitute Chloe Kelly’s spot-kick secured 10-woman England a place in the next round after the shoot-out in Brisbane.
A post on William and Kate’s official Twitter account said: “Well done @Lionesses! It was hard-fought but now we’re on to the quarter-finals. Good luck.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also took to social media to praise the victorious England team.
He tweeted: “That was tense! Congratulations to the @Lionesses on a hard-fought win. Bring on the quarter finals.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan lauded the Lionesses for their “dramatic” win and offered “commiserations to Nigeria”. He tweeted: “Yesss! Go @Lionesses. We’re through to the quarter finals and what a dramatic finish. Commiserations to Nigeria who played a brilliant game. #FIFAWWC #ItsComingHome.”
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