Lauren James could play at Women’s World Cup final

English forward Lauren James has been given a 2-match ban for stomping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.

Lauren James has received a two-match ban after her straight red card vs. Nigeria

She’ll only be available again if England reach the World Cup final pic.twitter.com/bu4nT3mo5X

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 10, 2023

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Lauren (21) received a direct red card in their 1/8 final matchup, as England later triumphed after a shootout and advanced to the ¼ finals.

With the 2-match ban, the English striker, who has been a star at the 2023 Women’s World Cup so far with 3 goals and 3 assists, will be able to appear in the final if her country advances to it without her.

Lauren’s teammate on the national team, Beth England, shared that they won’t the spotlight around James to be a distraction during the tournament’s final stages.

“I know that this is a very difficult position to be in,” Beth claimed. “But whether they announced the suspension within 24 hours or not, it won’t affect us. We’re not defined by 1 player.”

England’s next opponent is Colombia on Saturday in a matchup from the ¼ finals.