England's Lauren James handed World Cup lifeline after Nigeria red card | OneFootball

Lauren James could feature for England again at the 2023 Women’s World Cup after she was handed a two-match suspension by FIFA’s disciplinary committee on Thursday.

James was shown a straight red card for stepping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie during Monday’s round of 16 encounter in Brisbane, which England went on to win following a penalty shoot-out.

Many had assumed that the offence would come with a three-match ban for violent conduct and the Chelsea striker would be ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

But FIFA’s leniency means the 21-year-old now has a chance of featuring again for the Lionesses.

James will certainly miss Saturday’s quarter-final tie with Colombia as well as the semi-final if England make it that far.

But if Sarina Wiegman’s side were to make it all the way to the final, James would be available for selection again.

The striker has so far scored three times for England at this tournament, including a brace in a 6-1 thrashing of China in the group stage.