Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news as Lauren James ban confirmed ahead of England vs Colombia
The quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup are set as England continue their preparations for Saturday’s clash with Colombia in Sydney.
After a group stage of shocks and surprises, the tournament has reached its business end with several big names still standing. The Lionesses survived a scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties as Sarina Wiegman’s side reached the last eight, but they have now received news that star forward Lauren James is banned for two games after her red card in the last round, when she stamped on Michelle Alozie.
The quarter-final action resumes tomorrow with a blockbuster pair of matches. First Spain will play Netherlands in an all-European clash, before Sweden face Japan, who have been the standout team at the World Cup so far. It’s England’s turn on Saturday as they face Colombia, after co-hosts Australia play France on what is set to be an electric night in Brisbane.
Follow all the latest news from the Women’s World Cup in our live blog, below:
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news and updates
England prepare for Colombia quarter-final after beating Nigeria on penalties
Lauren James receives two-game ban after red card for stamp on Nigeria defender
England ‘not happy’ with World Cup performances, Lucy Bronze says
World Cup quarter-finals begin Friday with Netherlands vs Spain and Japan vs Sweden
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Lauren James banned for two games
14:26 , Alex Pattle
This just in: Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban after her red card against Nigeria, which she received for stamping on defender Michelle Alozie.
That means she will miss England’s quarter-final with Colombia, as expected, but also the Lionesses’ semi-final if they get that far.
More follows...
Lauren James banned for two World Cup games by Fifa in England blow
Women’s World Cup LIVE: The lowdown on Colombia ahead of England quarter-final
13:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Pedigree: At 25th, the South Americans are the lowest placed of the quarter-finalists in FIFA’s rankings, but, having already helped see off one of the pre-tournament favourites Germany in the group stage, they cannot be under-estimated. Runners-up to Brazil in last year’s Copa America Femenina, they travelled to Australia and New Zealand not only determined to better their previous best of reaching the last 16 in Canada in 2015, but of making a significant impression. Victory over an England side who, barring their thumping 6-1 Group D victory over China, have not been at their best, would certainly do that.
Style of play: Colombia have been described as “raw” in their approach to the game, an expression which says as much about their physicality - a behind-closed-doors warm-up game against the Republic of Ireland was abandoned at Ireland’s request after a bruising 20 minutes - as it does their freedom of expression. Abadia is not afraid to tinker with a system in which it is pace out wide which provides the threat, although his team is based on the solid foundation of a back four which have conceded only two goals so far in the tournament.
Women’s World Cup LIVE: The lowdown on Colombia ahead of England quarter-final
13:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Coach: Renowned for developing talent, 67-year-old Nelson Abadia initially learned his trade in youth and lower-division football and has worked across South America. After a spell in charge of the America de Cali women’s team, he was appointed Colombia boss in 2017 and guided them to World Cup qualification via an impressive Copa America Femenina campaign.
Key players: Two women at opposite ends of their careers have carried the nation’s hopes in some style Down Under. Inspirational skipper Catalina Usme, 33, and Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Linda Caicedo, widely regarded as a superstar in the making, have each scored two of the five goals they have managed in the competition to date. As well as Usme and Caicedo, who finished top scorer in the Colombian league as a 14-year-old, Abadia has Atletico Madrid midfielder Leicy Santos, Levante forward Mayra Ramirez and Real Sociedad defender Manuela Venegas at his disposal.
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Colombia set up England quarter-final
12:31 , Jamie Braidwood
It only took a moment for Jamaica’s plan to unravel. After keeping three clean sheets in their historic progression from the group stages, a goal was all it took for their World Cup dream to finally appear out of reach. As Deneisha Blackwood was caught under a high ball, Colombia found the quality they had long been searching for: Catalina Usme cushioned it perfectly on her left foot, and a step later it was guided into the far corner.
For the first time in four matches at this World Cup, Jamaica and goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer conceded, and if this last-16 tie desperately needed a goal, so did Colombia’s entire approach. After taking the lead, they finally began to look like the team that shocked Germany in topping Group H, and who will now look to do the same against England in the quarter-finals. Playing Jamaica didn’t suit them. Facing the Lionesses might.
Colombia overcome Jamaica - and show why they will scare England
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified
11:44 , Jamie Braidwood
When Sarina Wiegman saw Lauren James after her red card against Nigeria, the first thing the manager said to her was “it happens”. There was absolutely no castigation, a stance made easier by the player’s immediate apology and the fact England got through.
It has made the squad’s World Cup that bit more complicated, though, not least because of the curious regulation that James may not even know her full punishment until after the quarter-final. It is a definite one-game ban until Fifa’s disciplinary committee review the moment, which isn’t certain to happen before Saturday.
One thing that probably is certain is that, for all the obvious comparisons, this was never going to be a David Beckham 1998 or Wayne Rooney 2006. That isn’t just because England won on penalties. We are a long way from “10 Heroic Lions, One Stupid Boy”, particularly when it comes to women’s football.
One of the most common responses after the game - beyond the question of what James was actually doing - was that she should be protected from the pitchforks that Rooney and Beckham faced.
That is a good thing. It is just football, and she is only a 21-year-old experiencing a game of such intensity for the first time.
By Miguel Delaney
Why Lauren James must be protected, not vilified, after World Cup red
Women’s World Cup LIVE
11:25 , Jamie Braidwood
England striker Bethany England warned it would be more dangerous to underestimate Colombia than worry about their “physical” approach ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash at the Women’s World Cup.
Colombia played a part in the biggest shock of the tournament so far in beating Germany as the two-time champions crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages, but the South American side have also earned a reputation for their robust style.
A pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland was abandoned when it became ‘overly physical’ - while Germany complained about the rough treatment they received in the 2-1 defeat.
It’s been a World Cup of surprises so far and the Lionesses survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16 as they advanced on penalties, after playing extra time with 10 players following Lauren James’ red card.
And the Tottenham striker said Sarina Wiegman’s side are more concerned about not taking Colombia lightly, while insisting they can also match their fight if the quarter-final does turn physical.
Women’s World Cup LIVE: When could James decision be made?
10:59 , Jamie Braidwood
A three-match ban would see Lauren James ruled out for the rest of the tournament if England were to reach their first-ever Women’s World Cup final.
A decision might not be made until after England’s quarter-final, however, once James serves her automatic one-match ban.
Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun was given a three-match ban after she was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence in the group stage, but her ban was not increased until after she had served the first game.
10:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Lucy Bronze on England’s performances: “All we can do is go back to training and make sure we are focused on the job at hand. The most important thing is that we’re coming out of games with wins.
“I think I said that after the Haiti game, and some people thought that was not probably what they wanted. However, we’re the ones who are still in the competition and there’s many top teams who are going home because they haven’t been able to get that point or been able to see the games out in the penalty shoot-out and we have.
“We’ve shown that side of our team that we know what it takes to win.”
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Sweden wary of Japan threat
09:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Sweden pair Fridolina Rolfo and Zecira Musovic believe quarter-final opponents Japan have been one of the best sides in the tournament so far.
Japan edged closer to a second World Cup triumph on Saturday by beating Norway 3-1 in the last 16, having cruised through their group without dropping a point or conceding a goal.
Barcelona forward Rolfo said: “They have been great, I have to say that. They have been one of the best teams so far in the tournament. So we need to analyse them really well and need to have a good match plan.”
Chelsea goalkeeper Musovic added: “We know it will require a lot of hard work. I think Japan is maybe the most exciting and maybe the team who has impressed me the most so far.”
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Mary Fowler in Australia spotlight
08:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Australia’s Cortnee Vine says there is no limit to what team-mate Mary Fowler can achieve in the game and insisted she has not been surprised by the 20-year-old Manchester City forward’s stellar contribution.
Vine said: “She can just be amazing. I said to her before this tournament began that she’s going to have a fantastic tournament. She just has so much more to go and she’s still so young, I think we forget sometimes.
“She’s so mature and knows what she wants and is her own individual kind of person and when she gets on that field, you just see something special.
“I just think she’s going to keep growing from that. I can’t wait to see Mary keep going because she’s just killing it at the moment.”
Women’s World Cup: England ‘not happy’ with performances
07:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Lucy Bronze admitted England “are not happy” with their World Cup displays, but vowed the Lionesses will step up on Saturday against Colombia.
The European champions rode their luck to beat Nigeria in the last 16 on penalties and will be without Lauren James, who will serve at minimum a one-game ban after her dismissal on Monday.
Barcelona defender Bronze said: “We’ve built on every game, we’ve taken something from every game, whether that was the Haiti game that was physical, the Denmark game when we lost our key player in Keira (Walsh), the China game we changed the formation completely, (Monday) we had a red card.
“Everything that has been thrown at us, we’ve dealt with and moved forward. I don’t see many other teams who’ve had that adversity and if they had, I don’t think they’ve managed to overcome the way we have. At the same time, we are not happy with our performances.”
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England release statement on James red card
07:14 , Jamie Braidwood
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England release statement on James red card
After receiving a red card, Lauren James is automatically suspended for England’s next match against Colombia, however her punishment will be reviewed by a Fifa disciplinary panel.
If the forward is deemed to have committed a serious act of foul play, the panel have the power to apply further sanctions.
In a statement, the FA said they will support James throughout the disciplinary process and will be putting forward representation on her behalf.
“Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse,” the statement said. “It is wholly out of character for her.”
Women’s World Cup LIVE: James apologises for red card
06:29 , Jamie Braidwood
Lauren James has promised to “learn” from her sending off at the Women’s World Cup - as the England star apologised to Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie for stamping on her back during the last-16 match.
James was shown a straight red card after leaving her studs on Alozie’s back when the defender was on the ground, with the 21-year-old having grown frustrated as Nigeria marked her out of the game.
The forward will be suspended for at least the quarter-finals, with England facing Colombia on Saturday after defeating Nigeria on penalties, but a Fifa disciplinary panel could decide that the act merits further punishment.
Alozie had tweeted “all respect to Lauren James” earlier on Tuesday after appearing to forgive the England player for the incident, adding “we are playing on the world’s stage, this game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments”.
James replied to Alozie’s post and said: “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.”
Lauren James apologises after World Cup red card
05:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Women’s World Cup: How many games will James miss?
England are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup – but they will be without Lauren James when they play Colombia in the last eight.
James was sent off for stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during the Lionesses’ last-16 tie.
The 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR recommended a review and the yellow card was upgraded to red after the act of petulance.
After receiving a red card, James is automatically suspended for England’s next match, however her punishment will be reviewed by a Fifa disciplinary panel.
If the forward is deemed to have committed a serious act of foul play, the panel have the power to apply further sanctions.
How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?
Women’s World Cup: What is England’s path to the final?
05:31 , Jamie Braidwood
7 August: Last 16
England 0-0 Nigeria - England win 4-2 on penalties
12 August: Quarter-final
England vs Colombia (11:30, Sydney) - Live on ITV 1
16 August: Semi-final
(England vs Colombia) vs (Australia vs France) (11:00, Sydney)
20 August: Final
(England vs Colombia / Australia vs France) vs (Spain vs Netherlands / Japan vs Sweden) 11:00, Sydney)
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Who and when do England play next?
05:01 , Jamie Braidwood
England will play Colombia in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after the South American side defeated Jamaica 1-0 to set up a meeting with the Lionesses in Sydney on Saturday.
Catalina Usme’s composed second-half finish was enough to send Colombia through to their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final, with Jamaica unable to respond after conceding their first goal of the tournament.
Led by 18-year-old star forward Linda Caicedo and backed by a loud and passionate travelling support, Colombia caused a major shock in the group stages to stun two-time champions Germany and top Group H.
England survived a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties on Monday after having to play with 10 players in extra time following Lauren James’ red card. Sarina Wiegman must now wait to discover the extent of her star forward’s suspension, which is set to be decided by a disciplinary panel.
On the other side of the draw, France and Morocco play in the final last-16 tie later today, with a place against Australia up for grabs after the co-hosts comfortably defeated Denmark.
Who and when do England play next? Route to the World Cup final
Women’s World Cup: Spain vs Netherlands
04:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Spain face Netherlands in an all-European clash at the Women’s World Cup as the quarter-finals get underway in Australia and New Zealand.
Spain returned to form in the last-16 as they bounced back from their 4-0 defeat to Japan by thrashing Switzerland 5-1, with Aitana Bonmati playing a starring role with two goals.
Head coach Jorge Vilda made five changes to his team, including dropping star Alexia Putellas to the bench, but was rewarded with an improved performance as Spain reached their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final.
The Netherlands, who were runners-up in 2019, were given a stern test by South African in Sydney but progressed thanks to a stunning display from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in the 2-0 win.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Spain vs Netherlands: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Results and quarter-final fixtures
04:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Saturday 5 August
Match 49: Switzerland 1-5 Spain
Match 50: Japan 3-1 Norway
Sunday 6 August
Match 51: Netherlands 2-0 South Africa
Match 52: Sweden 0-0 United States - Sweden win 5-4 on penalties
Monday 7 August
Match 54: England 0-0 Nigeria - England win 4-2 on penalties
Match 53: Australia 2-0 Denmark
Tuesday 8 August
Match 56: Colombia 1-0 Jamaica (09:00, Melbourne) - ITV 1
Match 55: France 4-0 Morocco (12:00, Adelaide) - BBC One
Friday 11 August
QF1: Spain vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) - BBC One
QF2: Japan vs Sweden (08:30, Auckland) - BBC One
Saturday 12 August
QF3: Australia vs France (08:00, Brisbane) - ITV 1
QF4: England vs Colombia (11:30, Sydney) - ITV 1
Women’s World Cup LIVE
04:30 , Jamie Braidwood
The quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup are set as England continue their preparations for Saturday’s clash with Colombia in Sydney.
After a group stage of shocks and surprises, the tournament has reached its business end with several big names still standing. The Lionesses survived a scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties as Sarina Wiegman’s side reached the last eight, and are now awaiting news from Fifa’s disciplinary panel as star forward Lauren James faces being ruled out of the rest of her tournament after her red card.
The next two days are rest days for the teams left standing, with the action continuing on Friday with a blockbuster pair of matches. First Spain will play Netherlands in an all-European clash, before Sweden face Japan, who have been the standout team at the World Cup so far. It’s England’s turn on Saturday as they face Colombia, after co-hosts Australia play France on what is set to be an electric night in Brisbane.
Follow all the latest news from the Women’s World Cup in today’s live blog
