Bronze's comments to James after red card sums up England's Lionesses
Lucy Bronze consoled Lauren James after the latter's red card against Nigeria, insisting England had made it through to the quarter-finals as "a team".
James was sent off three minutes before the end of normal time after stamping on Michelle Alozie during Monday's last 16 clash. The Lionesses would eventually make it through to the last eight on penalties, though were forced to play all of extra-time with 10 players.
While James was left dejected that she had almost cost her side, Barcelona star Bronze consoled her team-mate. The 31-year-old went to see the Chelsea striker after the final whistle, as England celebrated their hard-earned win.
Bronze told James: “We’ve made it through. It’s a team, it’s not just one player.” James went on to apologise for her actions on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old at risk of missing the rest of the World Cup.
Alozie tweeted a message of support, writing: “We are playing on the world stage. The game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”
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James replied: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and teammates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”
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Lauren James was sent off for this stamp on Michelle Alozie (FIFA via Getty Images)James will serve an automatic one-match ban, which could be upgraded to three games. The young star is being supported by her parents and England ‘family’, while the FA will make a case to FIFA in a bid to prevent an extension of her ban.
“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," the statement read.
“We fully respect FIFA’s disciplinary process and will not be making any further comment until after any decision has been made.”
The decision depends on whether her actions are deemed to be violent conduct. James will be supported by her mum Emma, who flew today from Brisbane to Sydney on Tuesday.
Her dad Nigel, who also coached her Chelsea star brother Reece James, was flying out to Oz from England after our group games. The Lionesses have an army of mums, dads, grandparents, siblings, and HABs (husbands and boyfriends) to cheer them on.
Bronze, 31, was given a big hug by her mum Diane. Fellow defender Jess Carter, 25, had her parents, grandparents and sister in the crowd. “I am really lucky to have such fantastic support, they are travelling to all the games,” she said. “It is a huge motivation.”
Goal hero Chloe Kelly, who followed up her Euro 2022 final winner against Germany with a rocket shot for the winning penalty, said: “It is amazing to be able to enjoy the moment with them and the fans here and back home. They’ve been unbelievable.”
The first red card of the competition was shown in the group stage to Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun for her tackle on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence. Abiodun’s punishment was extended to three matches after she served the first game.
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The England team received a rousing reception from staff as they arrived back at their hotel in Brisbane in the early hours of yesterday. They travelled to their Terrigal training base where they had a double birthday party; Lauren Hemp turned 23 on Monday, while Katie Robinson, the youngest member of the squad, turned 21.
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