Lauren James breaks silence on England red card and apologises after win over Nigeria

England were eventually able to beat Nigeria courtesy of a penalty shootout, with James watching from inside the dressing room.

And the 21-year-old has now taken to social media to apologise for her actions.

Writing on her Instagram story, she tagged Alozie in a post and said: "All my love and respect to you.

"I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience."

James is now facing an anxious wait over her future in the tournament.

Because her red card was given for violent conduct, it's possible she'll miss the next three England matches.

Should the European champions go all the way, that would mean the Chelsea star missing the remainder of the tournament.

James had, prior to the incident, been one of England's standout players at the tournament.

The youngster had three goals and three assists to her name prior to the round of 16 clash.

But there's now a genuine possibility England will have to attempt to bring the trophy home without one of their best players in their ranks.

Speaking after the game, England manager Sarina Wiegman addressed James' dismissal.

And she insisted it was out of character for the Lionesses star, saying: "It was a moment of a split-second and it was later in the game so players also get a little tired.

"She is an inexperienced player on this stage and has done really well.

"And I think, in a split-second, she just lost her emotions.

"And, of course, she does not want to hurt anyone. She is the sweetest person I know.

"Yet then things happen like that and you cannot change it any more.

"So it is a huge lesson for her to learn, but it is not something that she really did on purpose.

"It happens sometimes with human beings - that you are in such an intense game, such an emotional game and, in a split-second, she lost her emotions.

"She apologised and she felt really, really bad and absolutely she does not want to hurt anyone."

England star Lucy Bronze also opened up on James.

And she revealed the Chelsea forward was 'upset' after her moment of madness.

“Obviously she’s going to be disappointed in herself," said Bronze.

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"I went straight off the pitch after the game to make sure she was OK.

“Obviously she was a little bit upset and rightfully so and more than anything she just feels bad for the team.

"I said to her, ‘We’ve made it through. It’s a team, it’s not just one player.'”