LAURA WOODS has come to the defence of England ace Lauren James after she was sent off against Nigeria.
James was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for stamping on Michelle Alozie.
Nigeria had identified James as the Lionesses’ biggest threat and targeted her throughout the match.
The 21-year-old let her frustrations get the better of her late on as she trod on Alozie and was dismissed in the 87th minute.
She has since been defended by Woods on social media, though, with the presenter hitting back at a fan who claimed it would be James’ fault if England went out.
Woods replied: “We’re only through because of her! Please don’t start this narrative.
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“Yes, silly foul. But there’s a reason everyone’s been talking about her. Huge talent, first World Cup, enormous pressure. She’s human.”
She also agreed with a supporter who said it would be wrong to vilify the Chelsea starlet.
“Exactly this,” wrote Woods. “Weird to put the blame solely on one player when we’ve struggled in this game throughout.”
England boss Sarina Wiegman also defended James, who is playing in her first major tournament, after the match.
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Speaking to reporters, she explained: “It was a moment of a split second. It was later in the game so players get tired.
“She’s inexperienced on this stage and had done well but she lost her emotions. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone. She’s the sweetest person I know.”
James has scored three goals and provided three assists for England at the Women’s World Cup, including the winner against Denmark.
Her dismissal left her side down to 10 players for the remainder of normal time and extra time before the Lionesses secured a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
She will be suspended for Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia or Jamaica and could still be banned for longer by FIFA.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
