England boss Sarina Wiegman was scrutinised for Lauren James red card after win over Nigeria
England boss Sarina Wiegman faced scrutiny following Lauren James' dismissal in Nigeria win
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England boss Sarina Wiegman faced scrutiny in the immediate aftermath of Lauren James' red card against Nigeria on Monday.
The Lionesses battled their way to victory to make the last eight of the competition, eventually triumphing after a dramatic penalty shootout.
However, England now face the unwanted prospect of having to go all the way without James in their ranks.
The Chelsea star was dismissed in the 87th minute after standing on the back of Michelle Alozie.
Lauren James received her marching orders during England's win over Nigeria
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And two former footballers questioned Wiegman for not taking James off during the match.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall questioned the England boss by saying: "It’s decision fatigue.
"The two games before this probably took their toll for energy, we could see in the game that she was starting to take some bad decisions on and off the ball.
"I think the lack of subs in the second half surprised me here from England, because I think the momentum was not going their way."
And former England star Alex Scott also suggested that Wiegman should have taken James off.
"We’re actually questioning Sarina for the first time ever about why she didn’t bring on someone like Chloe Kelly earlier to bring fresh legs on, or even Beth England to run in behind," she said.
Scott added: "Now it’s about England trying to find a way and coming together as a team."
England were fortunate in the end.
Nigeria were the better side throughout the contest, hitting the woodwork twice during the match.
James is now waiting to see whether her tournament is over in the wake of her red card for violent conduct.
The Chelsea star, whose brother Reece plays for the men's team, was pictured with her team-mates looking glum at Sydney Airport.
But Wiegman defended the 21-year-old following the game, saying: “She’s young.
"This is just a split second and she doesn’t want to harm anyone.
"It’s later on in the game, so you get a little bit tired too.
“It’s such an intense and emotional game that in a split second where you just don’t control your emotions, then things happen.
The Chelsea star, whose brother Reece plays for the men's team, was pictured with her team-mates looking glum at Sydney Airport.
But Wiegman defended the 21-year-old following the game, saying: “She’s young.
"This is just a split second and she doesn’t want to harm anyone.
"It’s later on in the game, so you get a little bit tired too.
“It’s such an intense and emotional game that in a split second where you just don’t control your emotions, then things happen.
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England face having to cope without Lauren James following Nigeria red card
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“LJ didn’t start the first game, she didn’t feature at all during the Euros.
“She’s a massively talented player. We all know that and obviously we’re very disappointed to lose a player of her calibre going into the next game.
"No one’s going to be more disappointed than LJ. It’s important to support her.”