How Lauren James reacted behind the scenes after England red card in Nigeria Women's World Cup win

Lauren James England Nigeria

Lauren James was dismissed as England beat Nigeria at Women's World Cup

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/08/2023

- 08:35

Updated: 08/08/2023

- 09:26

The 21-year-old was dismissed for a stamp on Michelle Alozie

Lauren James was 'upset' in the dressing room after seeing red in England's Women's World Cup win over Nigeria on Monday.

The 21-year-old saw red after stamping on Michelle Alozie, with the Lionesses then proceeding to win via a dramatic penalty shootout.


James had previously been enjoying a sensational tournament, scoring three goals and clocking up four assists to boost England's hopes of glory.

Her involvement in the rest of the tournament is now up in the air following a moment of madness, however.

Lauren James England Nigeria

Lauren James was 'upset' after red card in England's win over Nigeria

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And England star Lucy Bronze has revealed James was left 'upset' following the drama, despite her side progressing to the quarter-finals of the competition.

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

"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.'”

James could now face a three-game ban for her red card due to the violent nature of the incident.

The Chelsea star, whose brother Reece plays for the men's team, had no need for the stamp on her opponent.

Nigeria star Deborah Abiodun received the first red card of the tournament and later had her suspension extended to three matches, having served the first game.

Therefore, James facing a similar fate is something that can't be ruled out.

Bronze continued to defend James in the wake of England's win, insisting she's had to contend with more of the spotlight than many of her team-mates.

“Although LJ is the youngest in the team, she’s had to mature from a young age because she’s been thrown into the spotlight, whether that’s to do with her brother and her family, or that she’s a fantastic player on her own," she continued.

“In the last game, everyone put the spotlight on her.

"She deals with it very, very well. She likes hanging around with the older players, myself, Jordan (Nobbs), Alex Greenwood, we are the three that she comes to asking for advice.

“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.”

England boss Sarina Wiegman, meanwhile, believes James will learn from the incident.

“She’s young," she told talkSPORT. "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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Lucy Bronze England Nigeria

Lucy Bronze has defended Lauren James after England beat Nigeria

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“Of course, she didn’t want to do that, but before she’d even realised it had happened.

"Very unfortunate. She will absolutely learn from it.”

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