England's Lauren James handed two-match ban for World Cup red card send off

England star Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban for standing on the back of an opponent during the Women's World Cup last 16 win over Nigeria, FIFA’s disciplinary committee has announced.

The 21-year-old Chelsea forward was handed a red card late in the second half for treading on Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie as she lay on the floor.

Concerns were raised that James could be handed a three-match ban if the incident was ruled as "violent conduct", which would have seen her miss the rest of the tournament.

James was already told she would miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia in Sydney due to an automatic one-match ban, following her red card in the game which England won on penalties.

The confirmation of the two-match ban means she will now also miss any possible semi-final match.

If Sarina Wiegman’s side make it all the way to the final, James would be available to return in the prospective August 20 showpiece in Sydney.

FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England vs Nigeria.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”

James publicly apologised to Alozie vowing she would "learn" from the experience, while the Lionesses rallied round her, describing the incident as "wholly out of character".

Wiegman separately admitted James had “lost her emotions” during a "split moment" but insisted she had not meant to hurt anyone and is the "sweetest person I know".

“Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse,” an England statement had read. “It is wholly out of character for her."

Following the incident, Alozie defended James, tweeting: “Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”

James replied to the tweet, 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.”

The FA said it had “nothing more to add” following confirmation of the sanction facing James, who became the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup knockout match after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Millie Bright.

It was the side’s first red card since Millie Bright’s dismissal in the World Cup semi-final defeat to the United States in 2019.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.