WWC Last 16: Lauren James Sent Off for Walking on Back of Nigeria's Michelle Alozie; Video

• Lauren James was sent off during England’s round of 16 clash against Nigeria on Monday, August 7
• The Lionesses superstar appeared to have stamped on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie
• The two sides battled to a 0-0 draw in regular time as England saw a late penalty overturned

England women’s team superstar Lauren James was sent off during the World Cup round of 16 clash against Nigeria.

Lauren, who was expected to help steer her nation to the last 8 of the Women’s World Cup, found it difficult to get past a resolute Nigerian defence for most of the match as the game ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Late in the game, frustration had started to creep in among the Lionesses. Lauren James was on the spot in the 86th minute after appearing to walk on Nigerian star Michelle Alozie.

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The referee initially brandished a yellow card, but was called on to the monitor to review the incident.

It appeared Lauren James was frustrated a free kick did not go her way, and retaliated by stamping on her opponent. The referee was left with no choice but to issue red.

Replays showed that in the build-up to the incident, Lauren James had lost possession and in a bout of frustration, decided to hit back at Alozie, who did brilliantly to keep her cool after the foul.

Despite going down to 10 men, the Lionesses somehow held off Nigeria as the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate at full time.

England advance on penalties

As far as the game went, England progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition after winning 4-2 via a penalty shootout following a goalless 120 minutes.

Chloe Kelly scored the decisive kick as the Lionesses survived a mighty scare from Nigeria, who won fans’ hearts with their determination against a nation considered favourites to win the World Cup.

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England will now come up against either Jamaica or Colombia in the last 8.

Chloe Kelly shows class

Sports Brief also reported on how Chloe Kelly exhibited some class by consoling Nigeria’s goalkeeper after scoring the winning penalty.

Despite the thrill of advancing to the next round after such a gruelling game, Kelly instead rushed to comfort Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was visibly distraught after her country's dramatic exit from the Women's World Cup.

The Lionesses star was also seen discouraging camera crews who were determined to capture Nnadozie at her most vulnerable moment.