England has advanced to the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals, but Lauren James won’t be available when they take on Colombia or Jamaica in the round of eight.
James received a red card for stamping on Michelle Alozie of Nigeria during the Lionesses’ match in the round of 16.
The referee initially gave the 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, a yellow card, but VAR suggested a review, and the yellow card was increased to a red one following the act of petulance.
James is immediately suspended for England’s following game after collecting a red card, but a Fifa disciplinary panel will examine her penalty.
The panel has the authority to impose additional penalties on the forward if it is determined that they committed a major act of misconduct. James would be suspended for the remainder of the tournament after three games.
Tuesday’s last-16 matchup between Colombia and Jamaica, two of the World Cup’s surprise packages, will determine who advances to the quarterfinals to face the Lionesses.
Without James, England will have a harder time accomplishing that job, but if they succeed, they might face Australia, Denmark, France, or Morocco in the semifinals.
On Sunday, August 20, the Women’s World Cup final will be played. Japan currently seems to be the strongest team in the top half of the draw.