The Lionesses will have to get through Saturday’s quarter-final with Colombia without Lauren James – with the Chelsea forward suspended for the next two games, should England progress that far
Sarina Wiegman believes it will take a “team effort” to cope without Lauren James in England’s World Cup quarter final with Colombia.
Wiegman is aiming to take the European Champions to a third consecutive semi-final at the finals, but they will have to get past a team who have already stunned Germany in Sydney. The Lionesses will have to navigate the challenge without their star of the tournament so far, who is serving the first of a two-game ban.
James was sent off during the Lionesses last 16 tie with Nigeria, after she stood on Michelle Alozie in the dying minutes of normal time. A three-game ban, which would have ended her tournament, was possible but instead she will only serve a two-game suspension.
This was after FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that James’ actions were deemed as âserious foul play’, rather than ‘violent conduct’. Wiegman though is remaining composed and says the England team will respect FIFA’s final decision.