England star Lauren James is waiting to learn whether she will be banned for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup after being shown a straight red card against Nigeria
Millie Bright says she’ll have a private word with Lauren James to prevent her from brooding over her World Cup heartache.
England’s skipper aims to take her Chelsea club-mate to one side in the next 24 hours to ensure she doesn’t wallow in misery after a dismissal that could have cost her country dear. The Lionesses were struggling to find any fluency throughout their testing last 16 battle with Nigeria and were facing extra time when James stepped on Michelle Alozie after failing to win a free-kick.
The frustration of an ineffectual night – the Super Falcons detailed a marker to follow her around the pitch – was encapsulated in a petty act – and now she faces a potential three-match ban. But Bright & Co then stepped up themselves, taking the game to penalties – from which they eventually triumphed.
Asked if she would seek out James, the centre-half said: “Yes, 100 per cent. It’s really important we look after each other. I’ve been through what she’s going through. I know exactly how she feels.