Lauren James’ red card prevents showdown with Linda Caicedo at the Women’s World Cup
England vs. Colombia should have seen two of the most exciting young players at the Women’s World Cup go head-to-head.
Instead, Lauren James’ red card for standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie means the England forward will miss the quarterfinal in Sydney on Saturday and a showdown with Colombia’s Linda Caicedo.
James will also miss the semifinals if the Lionesses advance, after FIFA extended her ban for violent conduct.
“We respect that punishment. We take it from here and hope we get through,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said Friday. “We know how we want to fill in that position. It’s a team effort and we support each other and we fill in places that come free.” James’ suspension has denied viewers the prospect of seeing her go up against Caicedo, who has been outstanding during her team’s run to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time.
James made a big impression in the group stage of her first World Cup. She scored after six minutes against Denmark on her first start of the competition. She got two more goals and three assists as England beat China 6-1.
As impressive as the Chelsea forward has been, England is not dependent on just one player. After all, Wiegman’s team won the European Championship last year without James in the squad.
But her impact has helped make up for the fact that the Lionesses are without three key players from that Euros success after injuries ruled Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Leah Wiliamson out of the World Cup. Record scorer Ellen White has also retired.
So James’ flashpoint against Nigeria was costly.
“What she did was wrong and she knows it was wrong and she apologized for it publicly and now she faces the consequences,” England goalkeeper Mary Earps said. “As a team we stick
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