Lauren James Pens Moving Apology to Michelle Alozie After Reckless Red Card Stamp

• Lauren James has tendered an apology to Michelle Alozie following her red card offence
• James was sent off during England's Women's World Cup match against Nigeria
• The Lionesses survived a scare to dump the African giants out in post-match penalties

Lauren James has broken her silence after receiving a red card during England's game against Nigeria on August 7.

James was sent off during the cagey round of 16 affair at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane after stamping on Michelle Alozie. She received her marching orders with three minutes left on the clock.

Luckily for the Chelsea winger, the Lionesses held on to eliminate the Super Falcons via post-match penalties to book their spot in the quarterfinals.

The sending-off was a rude awakening to the 22-year-old who had set the tournament ablaze with slick performances in the group stage. She scored three goals and set up another three as Sarina Wiegman's charges topped Group D with maximum points.

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James apologises to Alozie

James has now taken to X to render an apology to Alozie, who hilariously confirmed that her backside was fine after that petulant challenge.

"All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened," said James, by quote reposting Alozie's tweet.

She then apologised to her international teammates who had to brave 30 extra minutes a player less.

"Also, for our England fans and my teammates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience."

It is highly unlikely that James will play again Down Under, given that a direct sending-off carries a three-match ban. Even if Wiegman's charges were to reach the August 20 final, her tournament is technically over.

Wiegman herself leapt to the defence of the former Manchester United player, calling her the 'sweetest person I know,' as quoted by Sky Sports.

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England play Colombia in the quarterfinals on Saturday after the latter saw off Jamaica.

Nnadozie reacts to England defeat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Super Falcons goalkeeper and captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie remains positive despite Nigeria's round of 16 FIFA Women's World Cup elimination.

Nigeria were booted out of the competition after a penalty shootout defeat to the European champions on Monday morning in Brisbane.

Nnadozie, who had kept three clean sheets at the tournament, admitted to her team's disappointment of not progressing to the quarter-final.