Women’s World Cup 2023; does football run in the family of Lionesses’ player Lauren James?

England Women’s team booked their place into the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup this morning, but it took the dreaded penalty shootout to finally see the Lionesses beat out a spirited Nigerian team. England advanced 4-2 on penalties, however, the bigger talking point was the sending-off of England player, Lauren James.

With tensions flaring as full time drew nearer, James was shown the red card in the 87th minute in an outburst of frustration and proceeded to stamp on Nigerian player Michelle Alozie - leading to the red card and now her suspension from England’s quarter-final match. The incident has already drawn parallels to the “reckless” behaviour of David Beckham and his “kicking” of Argentinan player Diego Simeone during the 1998 FIFA Men’s World Cup in France.

Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman has already come out in support of James, looking not to have the same outcry against herself that Beckham did after his red card in the aforementioned world cup. “It's a huge lesson for her to learn," said Wiegmann, “she would never want to hurt someone. She is the sweetest person I know. It was late in the game so players get a little tired.

"She is inexperienced on this stage and in a split-second lost her emotions. It isn't something she did on purpose. She apologised and felt really bad." Originally, the challenge only elicited a yellow card from the referee, but after VAR involvement, the card was rescinded and changed to red. 

James’s red card is the sixth to be handed out in the tournament and is the fourth to be shown a direct red card after Nigeria’s Debbie Abiodun, China’s Zhang Rui and Sofia Harris of the Philippines. 

Does Lauren James come from a footballing family?

Yes, Lauren James indeed comes from a footballing family, with her sibling and father being involved in the sport. Her older brother, Reece James, is a well-known professional footballer who has gained recognition for his performances with Chelsea FC and the England national team. 

Reece has established himself as a versatile and talented player, contributing to both his club's successes and his country's aspirations, while their father, Nigel James, has also been a supportive figure in the family's footballing journey, although he himself is not widely known for a professional football career.