Lauren James behind the scenes update given ahead of England and Colombia Women's World Cup clash

Lauren James England

Lauren James can't play for England in Colombia Women's World Cup clash

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/08/2023

- 08:07

Updated: 10/08/2023

- 08:39

The 21-year-old was sent off during her side's victory over Nigeria on Monday

England star Niamh Charles has claimed Lauren James is in 'good spirits' despite her red card against Nigeria on Monday.

The Chelsea star was sent off in the 87th minute after standing on the back of opponent Michelle Alozie.


James is currently waiting to discover whether she'll be banned for just one match or the next three following the incident.

She is, however, guaranteed to miss Saturday's blockbuster showdown with Colombia.

England Niamh Charles

England star Niamh Charles has opened up on Lauren James ahead of Colombia World Cup clash

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But England team-mate Charles has claimed James is 'in good spirits' despite her dismissal and that players have rallied round the youngster behind the scenes.

"Obviously she's really remorseful, I think she said that in her statement," she told Sky Sports.

"Of course, as a team we'v,e just got round her and she's put out a statement apologising.

"She's such a positive person, it's not what she's like at all. It happens, that the stakes are so high, in the next few days we'll see what happens.

"But yeah we're supporting her as much as possible.

"She's in good spirits after and hopefully moving on from it."

Prior to her sending off, James had been one of the standout players at the tournament so far.

The Chelsea star had scored three goals and clocked up as many assists, wowing fans and pundits alike.

Now, however, there's a possibility England will have to navigate the rest of the tournament without their star player in their side.

England were fortunate to scrape past Nigeria on Monday, emerging victorious following a penalty shootout.

Chloe Kelly was the hero for the Lionesses, netting the winning penalty from the spot.

As for Colombia, the South American giants managed to beat Jamaica 1-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the next round of the competition.

Catalina Usme netted the only goal of the game, breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute.

And whether England are able to overcome their opponents on Saturday ultimately remains to be seen.

James, meanwhile, apologised for her red card against Nigeria and tagged Alozie in her message.

The Nigeria star had tweeted 'all respect to Lauren James' and also said: “We are playing on the world’s stage, this game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments."

And James then responded by saying: "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."

England boss Sarina Wiegman insisted James would learn from her moment of madness.

“She’s young," she told talkSPORT. "This is just a split second and she doesn’t want to harm anyone.

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Lauren James red card England Nigeria

Lauren James was dismissed as England beat Nigeria on Monday

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"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.

“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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