Sarina Wiegman's verdict on Lauren James FIFA ban ahead of England quarter-final
Sarina Wiegman believes it will take a "team effort" to cope without Lauren James in England's World Cup quarter final with Colombia.
Wiegman is aiming to take the European Champions to a third consecutive semi-final at the finals, but they will have to get past a team who have already stunned Germany in Sydney. The Lionesses will have to navigate the challenge without their star of the tournament so far, who is serving the first of a two-game ban.
James was sent off during the Lionesses last 16 tie with Nigeria, after she stood on Michelle Alozie in the dying minutes of normal time. A three-game ban, which would have ended her tournament, was possible but instead she will only serve a two-game suspension.
This was after FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that James’ actions were deemed as ‘serious foul play’, rather than 'violent conduct'. Wiegman though is remaining composed and says the England team will respect FIFA's final decision.
"That is the decision that was made, of course that is not up to me," said Wiegman. "It'll be two games so that's tough for us but we respect that punishment.
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"We take it from here and we'll just hope we get through. We have a squad of 23, we are again facing a game without a player.
"We know how we want to fill that position. It is a team effort and we support each other and we'll have to fill the positions that become free."
England, and goalkeeper Mary Earps, have only conceded once in the tournament so far and are yet to let in a goal from open play. And ahead of the crunch time against Colombia, Earps revealed the mood in the camp following the news of James' two game suspension.
"Lauren is doing fine," added Earps. "What she did was wrong, she knows it was wrong and apologised for it publicly. Now she faces the consequences but as a team we stick together and stand behind in that.
"She'll support the team while she serves that ban. To be honest (James' ban) is not something we've spoken a lot about a lot because we are so focused on the game tomorrow.
Mary Earps during a training session at Central Coast Stadium on August 10, 2023 in Gosford, Australia"Naturally we want everyone to be available, but the situation is what it is. And we're a very together and cohesive unit. Our focus is only on that game tomorrow."
Copa America runners-up to Brazil last year, Colombia are expected to pose England's toughest test so far. They are also expected to have the majority of the support inside the 83,000 sold-out Stadium Australia in Sydney.
"We look at both strengths and weaknesses of a team," added Wiegman. "We are prepared. We also see there is a big crowd from Colombia, but we are prepared for that."
England have no injury worries for the tie, with the full 23-player squad taking part in Friday's training session near the team base on the Central Coast.
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