![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/england-must-take-lauren-james-lifeline-after-womens-world-cup-heartbreak/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_GettyImages-1598045143.jpg&description=Lauren James could once again get the chance to make herself the hero for England - but Sarina Wiegman's side must make sure they reach the Women's World Cup Final If England are seeking any additional motivation to make it to this year's Women's World Cup Final, they need look no further than FIFA's ruling on Lauren James ' looming suspension. The Chelsea forward has been one of the breakout stars of this summer's tournament, with her explosive attacking exploits having been central to the Lionesses' progression to the last eight. However, her scintillating displays for Sarina Wiegman's side looked in serious danger of being irrevocably marred by her uncharacteristic moment of petulance in England's round-of-16 clash with Nigeria. Unlike against China - where her genius inspired England to a 6-1 victory - James found herself stifled by a stubborn Nigeria defence at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. And it took 87 minutes for her frustration to boil over, with the 21-year-old handed her marching orders for a stamp on the prone Michelle Alozie. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage following James' dismissal, Wiegman's lacklustre England side rallied to force extra time and then penalties, with Euros hero Chloe Kelly coolly dispatching the winning spot-kick to set up a quarter-final clash with Colombia. While the Lionesses had managed to keep their World Cup dream alive, it looked like James had brought her own involvement in the tournament to a premature end, with it seeming like only a matter of time before her automatic one-game ban was upgraded a three-match suspension. But, in the early hours of Friday morning in Australia, FIFA's disciplinary committee returned their long-awaited verdict. James would see her ban upgraded, but to two games, not three, meaning she would be eligible to return to the pitch should England reach the World Cup Final. "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England's player Lauren James following a violatio){kind=link}
Lauren James could once again get the chance to make herself the hero for England – but Sarina Wiegman’s side must make sure they reach the Women’s World Cup Final
If England are seeking any additional motivation to make it to this year’s Women’s World Cup Final, they need look no further than FIFA’s ruling on Lauren James ‘ looming suspension.
The Chelsea forward has been one of the breakout stars of this summer’s tournament, with her explosive attacking exploits having been central to the Lionesses’ progression to the last eight. However, her scintillating displays for Sarina Wiegman’s side looked in serious danger of being irrevocably marred by her uncharacteristic moment of petulance in England’s round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.
Unlike against China – where her genius inspired England to a 6-1 victory – James found herself stifled by a stubborn Nigeria defence at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. And it took 87 minutes for her frustration to boil over, with the 21-year-old handed her marching orders for a stamp on the prone Michelle Alozie.
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage following James’ dismissal, Wiegman’s lacklustre England side rallied to force extra time and then penalties, with Euros hero Chloe Kelly coolly dispatching the winning spot-kick to set up a quarter-final clash with Colombia. While the Lionesses had managed to keep their World Cup dream alive, it looked like James had brought her own involvement in the tournament to a premature end, with it seeming like only a matter of time before her automatic one-game ban was upgraded a three-match suspension.