Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being despatched off throughout England’s last-16 win over Nigeria.
The Chelsea star sat out England’s 2-1 win over Colombia within the quarter-finals, and can now serve her second and closing recreation within the semi-finals in opposition to Australia.
That implies that James is in line to play for England once more on the Women’s World Cup, both within the closing ought to they defeat the Matildas on Sunday, 20 August, or within the third-placed play-off on Saturday, 19 August.
James was proven a pink card after standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie throughout the knockout recreation, which England received through a penalty shootout.
The Chelsea ahead was given an automated one-match suspension and feared being dominated out of the event altogether, with Fifa usually growing circumstances of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban.
However, the governing physique’s disciplinary committee confirmed some leniency and James may now return for the World Cup closing, ought to England make it to the showpiece on Sunday 20 August in Sydney.
James had apologised for the 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.
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman admitted James had “lost her emotions” throughout a second of indiscretion which may see the 21-year-old miss the rest of the World Cup by suspension.
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.”
And talking on Thursday forward of England’s quarter-final, teammate Beth England mentioned the gamers had rallied round James.
“Obviously she’s disappointed with what happened on the day,” England mentioned. “It was a split second, emotional moment that happened. We’ve got around her. It is good that she’s acknowledged that and put her apology out … we just move on from it now.”
England defender Lucy Bronze mentioned James was “upset” because the Chelsea star waits for the disciplinary panel’s verdict, which can not come till after England’s quarter-final on Saturday.
“Obviously she’s going to be disappointed in herself,” Bronze mentioned. “I went straight off the pitch after the game to make sure she was OK. Obviously she was a little bit upset and rightfully so and more than anything she just feels bad for the team. I said to her, ‘We’ve made it through. It’s a team, it’s not just one player.’”