England returned to action on Monday in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, taking on Nigeria in the round of 16. Unfortunately, a moment of madness from star attacker Lauren James left the Lionesses with a huge disadvantage in this crucial tie.
All eyes were on the Chelsea attacker and whether she could inspire her nation to reach the quarterfinals following her historical performance in England's 6-1 win over China.
Instead, the 21-year-old sensation disappointed her coach, teammates, and fans after being sent off for outrageously stamping on an opposition player. This occurred late in the second half, in the final few minutes of normal time, with James stepping on Michelle Alozie after fouling the defender.
This initially went unnoticed by the referee, but everyone knows nothing escapes VAR as the match official was called over to review the incident on the screen. After witnessing the replay, the result became obvious: Lauren was shown a straight red card which reduced Sarina Wiegman's side to 10 women.
Lauren James is seeing red and will be sent off
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 7, 2023
The Lionesses are now down to 10 players! pic.twitter.com/5xatvleQQj
LAUREN JAMES HAS BEEN SENT OFF FOR ENGLAND!#FIFAWWC #ENG #NGA #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/RVkRj33NEF
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 7, 2023
Lauren James is sent off after stamping on Michelle Alozie #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/qqfUa7LsGO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 7, 2023
England are down to 10 after Lauren James is sent off for stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie pic.twitter.com/Af7MwLitUu
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 7, 2023
— Daley (@DaleyAFC) August 7, 2023
An England No. 7 sent off in a World Cup Round of 16 match for kicking out.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 7, 2023
Where have we seen this before? pic.twitter.com/zx82eY0NVf
Wayne Rooney, discovering that David Beckham is still the primary reference point for England players losing their cool at major tournaments pic.twitter.com/eJR6HAcRuR
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) August 7, 2023
Really silly stuff from Lauren James. We saw it from Beckham in 98, Rooney in 06. The most mercurial players, at their youngest and with the most pressure lost in the moment
— Flo Lloyd-Hughes (@FloydTweet) August 7, 2023
DISGRACEFUL from Lauren James. pic.twitter.com/fLd8n6qv7M
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) August 7, 2023
Fortunately for the UEFA Women's Euro champions, this did not end up costing them. The Lionesses were unable to win but they held on until the end of extra time before triumphing on penalties.
However, this did not spare James from backlash on social media. Many slammed the FA Women's Super League sensation for losing her head, with some comparing this incident to David Beckham's in the 1998 men's FIFA World Cup quarterfinal vs. Argentina — the Three Lions went on to lose that game on penalties, however.
Unlike in English football, a red card for violent conduct is not an automatic 3-match ban for Lauren James at the Women's World Cup.
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) August 7, 2023
Suspension are for 1 game, with a possible extension of that reviewed by FIFA.
Nigeria's Deborah Abiodun was given 3 games though.
Battling win for England after being outplayed by Nigeria.
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) August 7, 2023
Lauren James definitely suspended for quarter-final Colombia/Jamaica and FIFA disciplinary panel might add on another match.
The last four players to get sent off for England at a senior World Cup:
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 7, 2023
David Beckham vs. Argentina (1998 R16)
Wayne Rooney vs. Portugal (2006 QF)
Millie Bright vs. USA (2019 SF)
Lauren James vs. Nigeria (2023 R16)
All in the knockout stages. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/zI95ysPEk0
And things could get worse for England and Lauren. While a straight red card does not automatically trigger a three-game ban, the FIFA disciplinary panel will take a look at this incident and there is the possibility of this being increased to a two or three-game suspension. If the attacker is barred for three games, this means her FIFA Women's World Cup is over, which would be a huge blow to England as they aim to win this coveted tournament for the first time in history.