(Reuters) – England’s Lauren James issued an apology on Tuesday after she was sent off for a stamp on Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during their Women’s World Cup last-16 game.
James, England’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals, received a red card for a bad-tempered stamp on Alozie’s back in the 87th minute of Monday’s game.
England were reduced to 10 players for more than half an hour but went on to win in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0 following extra time.
“All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” James said on messaging platform X.
“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.”
The apology came as a response to Alozie’s post where she said: “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments.
“All respect for Lauren James.”
England will face Colombia in the quarter-finals on Saturday but James will miss that game through suspension. England now await a FIFA decision to see if the Chelsea player will receive an extended ban for the stamp.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
