England's Lauren James gets 2-match ban for stomp

AFP

England midfielder Lauren James received a two-match suspension Thursday for standing on a Nigerian player in a Women's World Cup Round of 16 match.

The penalty issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee means James, 21, won't play again unless England reaches the World Cup final.

She will miss Saturday's quarterfinal match against Colombia in Sydney, Australia, and a possible semifinal match.

James has apologised for her conduct in Monday's win against Nigeria, decided 4-2 on penalty kicks after finishing in a 0-0 draw. She received a red card for violent conduct after standing on fallen Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the 87th minute.

James, who plays professionally for Chelsea, registered three goals and three assists in England's first five matches at the World Cup.

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