Will Lauren James play in the Women’s World Cup final after England red card?

Lauren James might return to play in the World Cup final after her England teammates earned their spot in Sunday’s Sydney showpiece with a 1-0 win over hosts Australia.

James was handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being despatched off throughout the last-16 win over Nigeria for a stamp on defender Michelle Alozie throughout the knockout recreation, which England received through a penalty shootout.

The Chelsea star sat out each England’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the quarter-finals and the semi-final victory over Australia, the place Ella Toone’s first-half piledriver, Lauren Hemp’s second-half end and Alessia Russo’s late strike knocked out the hosts to arrange a final with Spain.

James was given an automated one-match suspension and feared being dominated out of the event altogether, with Fifa usually rising circumstances of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban. However, the governing physique’s disciplinary committee confirmed some leniency and James might now return for the World Cup final.

Whether she begins the recreation is determined by whether or not supervisor Sarina Wiegman needs to vary a successful workforce. The identical beginning XI noticed off Colombia and Australia to achieve the final, and Toone – James’s alternative in the No 10 place in these two video games – scored a superb purpose in the semis.

But James was in implausible kind earlier than her red card, scoring three targets and choosing up three assists, and will probably be a tricky name for Wiegman to make.

James had apologised for the red-card incident, posting in response to a tweet from Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”

James grew to become the fourth England participant to be despatched off in a World Cup knockout match after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and present Lionesses captain Millie Bright.

Alozie had earlier tweeted in defence of James. “Abeg, rest,” she wrote. “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.”