Lauren James has missed every game since she was sent off in the last-16 match against Nigeria (Picture: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
The Lionesses have done it- they have booked their place in their first-ever World Cup final.
Sarina Wiegman’s team managed to secure their spot after a victory against host nation Australia in the semi-finals and will face Spain in Sunday’s final match-up.
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England faced an intimidating Sydney home crowd in their match against the co-hosts, but kept their cool, going 1-0 up in the first half, courtesy of a goal from Ella Toone.
After Australia came back to equalise in the second half courtesy of a stunning strike from Sam Kerr, England responded quickly thanks to a precise strike from Lauren Hemp, with Alessia Russo capping it all off in the 87th minute to make it 3-1.
They will now face a Spanish side who are also looking to make history in their first-ever final, who booked their spot with a 2-1 victory over Sweden.
Now that the final is assured, many England fans are wondering how the squad will shape up in the final game, and if star forward Lauren James will be able to rejoin the ranks after being shown a red card in the last-16 win over Nigeria.
So, how long is James’ suspension, and will she be able to join her teammates for the final?
Will Lauren James be able to play in the World Cup final?
Good news Lioness fans – Lauren James will be able to play in Sunday’s final on August 20 in Sydney.
James was suspended for two games following her red card offence in the Nigeria game, where she stamped on the back of defender Michelle Alozie during the knockout match-up.
James stamped on the back of Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie (Picture: Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
England managed to hold on with just a 10-player squad, going on to win the tense game in a penalty shootout, but James had to miss out on both the quarter-final against Colombia and the semi-final against Australia.
It was feared that the Chelsea striker could miss out on the rest of the tournament, as Fifa typically does implement a three-match ban for violent conduct in games.
However, the disciplinary committee did show some leniency, giving James just a two-match ban, stating that the foul was not a serious act of foul play.
No hard feelings were felt by Alozie, who tweeted after the game: ‘Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.’
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James apologised for the incident at the time, posting in response to the 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.’
In response to the two-match ban, manager Wiegman said: ‘That’s the decision that’s made, of course, that’s not up to me. It’s two games, that’s a fact for us and we respect that punishment. We take it from here and just hope we get through.’
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Goalkeeper Mary Earps was also asked how James was handling the fallout of her ban, especially since she had been in superb form earlier in the tournament.
‘Lauren’s doing fine,’ said the England ‘keeper. ‘Obviously what she did was wrong and she knows it was wrong and apologised for it publicly and now she faces the consequences.
‘As a team we stick together and stand behind her. She will support the team absolutely while she serves that [ban].’
Now that that ban has been served, James can once again take her place in the Lionesses lineup and help the team make history, with what is bound to be a blockbuster final on Sunday morning.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup final 2023 kicks-off at 11am on Sunday, August 20.
MORE : England player ratings from Women’s World Cup semi-final win over Australia
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She was banned following a red card offence.