England’s Lauren James gets two-match ban at Women’s World Cup for stamp

Nigeria’s defender #22 Michelle Alozie (lower) reacts after being fouled by England’s forward #07 Lauren James during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup round of 16 football match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane on August 7, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban for stamping on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, meaning James will miss England’s Women’s World Cup quarter-final tie against Colombia, world governing body FIFA said on Thursday.

James, England’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals, received a red card for a bad-tempered stamp on Alozie’s back in the 87th minute of Monday’s game.

The 21-year-old Chelsea player, who will also miss the semi-final if England qualify for the last four, apologized for the incident on Tuesday.

England was reduced to 10 players for more than half an hour but went on to beat Nigeria in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0 following extra time.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James…,” FIFA said in a statement.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”

England face Colombia on Saturday. The Football Association (FA) declined to comment on the suspension.