When can Lauren James join England team at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Lauren James has been banned for two matches in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after she was sent off for stamping Nigeria’s Michelle Elozie on her back during last-16 match.

Now the Chelsea star will be able to join the world cup campaign either in the final or the game for third place if England manage to win the semi-final.

Lauren James trod on the back of Michelle Elozie when the Nigerian fell on the ground in the 87th minute of the game. After a VAR review, she was sent off after an initial yellow card from the referee. But, FIFA extended the one-match ban to two games considering the nature of the offense. Manager Serena Weigman later said that it happens sometimes with human beings.

James scored two goals and made three assists in England's 6-1 win against China. She said that it was a high-intensity match, emotions ran high and James lost her emotions. She also said that it was a split second, it was a moment from which she felt bad and apologised. Weigman defended the England winger and said that she is young and performed really well. The England manager also said that things happen, you cannot change it, but one can learn lessons from such incidents.

Reacting to the FIFA ban after the incident, James wrote on his social media platform, «All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my teammates, playing with and for you is my greatest honor and I promise to learn from my experience.»

Michelle tweeted, «Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world's stage. This game is one of passion,