Sarina Wiegman has backed Lauren James to learn a “huge lesson” after she was sent off in England’s last-16 victory over Nigeria.
James was shown a red card in the 87th minute of the Lionesses’ win for a stamp on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie.
England managed to hold on despite being down to 10 players, eventually winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
Wiegman believes James momentarily “lost her emotions” and that 21-year-old will learn from the experience.
“Very hard, this was a moment, it was a split second, it was later in the game, so players also get a little tired,” the England boss said.
“She’s an inexperienced player on this stage, and she’s done really well, and I think in a split second she just lost her emotions. Of course she doesn’t want to hurt anyone, she’s the sweetest person I know, and yeah, things happen like that.
“You can’t change it any more, it’s a huge lesson to learn, but of course it’s not something she’s done on purpose.
“I’ve spoken to her. I actually said [to her] what I’ve just said. Look, that happens sometimes with human beings, that they are in such an intense game and such a high-intensity, emotional game, and in a split second she lost her emotions.
“Of course she apologised and she felt really, really bad. But absolutely, she doesn’t want to hurt anyone.”
