England warn 'best yet to come' despite James World Cup ban
Goalkeeper Mary Earps said the "best is yet to come" from England despite losing Lauren James for two Women's World Cup games starting with the quarterfinal on Saturday against Colombia.
The 21-year-old attacker was punished by Fifa after her red card in the last 16 for stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie, ruling her out until the final should the European champions get that far.
Chelsea's James had been instrumental prior to that, including two goals and three assists in a 6-1 thrashing of China, and the winner against Denmark.
"We have a squad of 23, we know how we want to fill that position," coach Sarina Wiegman said on the eve of the meeting with Colombia in Sydney.
"It's two games, that's a fact for us, we respect the punishment. We take it from here and hope we get through."
James has publicly apologised and Earps said: "Now she faces the consequences and as a team we stick together, stand behind her and she will support the team absolutely while she serves that (ban).
"Naturally we want everyone to be available all the time but it is what it is. We are a very together and cohesive unit and the focus is very much on the game tomorrow."
England only stumbled into the quarterfinals 4-2 on penalties over 40th-ranked Nigeria, forced to play extra time a player down after James's red card.
They can expect another tough battle from an attacking Colombia side brimming with confidence after making the last eight for the first time, upsetting Germany along the way.
But Earps said England were in "a really good spot" and "we've got more gears".
"I think you've seen glimpses of what we're capable of," she added. "I really think the best is yet to come."
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