England star Lauren James receives straight red card for horrendous stamp on Nigeria player

But James has now acted in the heat of the moment and paid the ultimate price as a result.

The Chelsea star was seen stamping on Michelle Alozie after a free-kick wasn't given in her favour.

Initially, the referee was reluctant to send James off - merely brandishing a yellow card instead of a red.

But she then performed a U-turn after help from VAR, with the England star looking devastated as she made her way off the field.

Many fans on social media have reacted to the incident, comparing James with past England men's players such as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.

Beckham was dismissed in 1998 after kicking out at Diego Simeone, with England losing to Argentina that year.

And Rooney received his marching orders in 2006 for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho.

One user said: "First Beckham on 1998, then Rooney in 2006… Lauren James just setting herself for a sensational career."

A second stated: "Lauren James wanting to go through her Beckham/ Rooney era of playing for England."

A third said: "A Rooney moment for poor Lauren James."

"Lauren James getting sent off at a major tournament. Just like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. She’s a superstar alright," were the words of a fourth fan.

And a fifth said: "Lauren James has undoubted quality, but that was stupid and avoidable. A kind of Beckham or Rooney moment you DON’T want."

England have gone into the game against Nigeria having won their last three matches at the tournament.

However, they've struggled against the Super Eagles so far during the round of 16 clash.

Nigeria have hit the woodwork twice, with England barely hanging on.

And the match will now go to extra-time after the European champions were able to dig deep for the final few minutes of normal time.

James, however, will have to watch on from the dressing room.

England are hoping to win the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history.

And another shock upset could be on the cards after the United States were dumped out of the competition by Sweden on Sunday.

Before the match, Sarina Wiegman warned her side about underestimating Nigeria and allowing complacency to creep in.

She said: "What we have seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy.

"The growth of the game has shown in this tournament.

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"We've not had an easy game at all and that's what we expect [on Monday], that it will be very competitive and we need to be at our best. Everyone who plays us wants to beat us."