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Sarina Wiegman could turn to her Euro 2022 stars to replace Lauren James after her ban had been extended to two games following her red card against Nigeria.
The 21-year-old received a red card after she stamped on Michelle Alozie’s back when the Nigeria player was lying on the ground after a challenge in the 87th minute of Monday’s game.
The Lionesses would go on to win the game on penalties – with Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick.
Wiegman will now be assessing her options ahead of Saturday’s game with Colombia as the Lionesses look to reach the semi-finals.
Mail Sport breaks down who could replace Lauren James for England’s clash with Colombia.
Lauren James is banned for two games after her red card against Nigeria on Monday
Lauren James was sent off for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the last 16
Chloe Kelly
After starting on the bench in England’s last game, Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly could earn herself a recall to the starting eleven.
While Kelly is unfamiliar with the no. 10 role, she could offer a different type of threat to James. The 25-year-old’s energy and willingness to take players on could cause Colombia some problems.
Kelly netted six times last season for City. However, she also picked up 13 assists and has shown that she is certainly capable of filling in for James.
The forward has been in and out of the team throughout the tournament, but she will be looking to break into the starting eleven in James’ absence.
Georgia Stanway
Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway is another player who is capable of filling in for James.
Stanway scored England’s opening goal of the World Cup against Haiti in the Lionesses’ opening game and has been ever-present in the starting eleven ever since.
The 23-year-old has mainly sat in the heart of midfield along with Keira Walsh.
With Stanway being able to operate further forward, Manchester United midfielder Katie Zelem could be brought into the central midfield role alongside Walsh.
Zelem excelled in England’s win over China and it may take some of the pressure and attention away from Walsh.
The United midfielder has also shown throughout the years that she is a real threat from set-pieces.
Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly (left) could be the player to fill in for James
Georgia Stanway is another player who is capable of replacing the Chelsea stat
Rachel Daly
Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season, with 22 goals.
The 31-year-old has mainly operated as a wingback for the Lionesses during their run to the quarter-finals so far. While that is the case, she has proven that she is well suited to play just behind a no. 9.
Daly has scored once in the tournament so far – in England’s 6-1 win against China in their last group game.
Despite Daly being comfortable at wingback, her versatility will benefit Wiegman going forward in the tournament. Daly will arguably be the leading candidate to replace James as the no. 10 for Saturday’s clash with Colombia.
With Daly potentially moving slightly forward, Chelsea defender Jess Carter may move to fullback in Daly’s absence.
Rachel Daly was the top scorer in the Women’s Super League last season and could replace James
Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo is without a shadow of a doubt one of England’s standout players. The Arsenal forward was one of their key stars during the nation’s success at the European Championships last year.
The 24-year-old is yet to really kick off in the World Cup and has only scored once in the tournament so far.
With that being said, she is still a real threat on her day. Wiegman may opt to drop the forward slightly back and have Tottenham forward Bethany England leading the line if she decides to stick with three at the back.
England scored 14 goals in the WSL last season, four more than Russo and has shown that she can be relied upon when given the opportunity.
Against Nigeria, England looked lively but has seen her minutes limited in the tournament so far. If Wiegman sticks with the 3-4-1-2, having Russo in behind England and Hemp could end up paying dividends as they look to reach yet another semi-final.
Wiegman may opt to drop Alessia Russo slightly back and have the forward play behind Bethany England and Lauren Hemp
Change in formation?
In England’s first two games, Wiegman has opted to play a 4-3-3 formation. The Lionesses struggled to find the back of the net in the two games before they switched to a 3-4-1-2.
If Wiegman does decide to revert to a 4-3-3, it allows the likes of Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Kelly an opportunity to start from the off.
Millie Bright will no doubt lead the defence alongside Carter, with Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood operating as the two fullbacks.
Alessia Russo will likely lead the line, with Kelly and Hemp operating either side of the Arsenal forward.
While Wiegman may be hesitant to revert to a 4-3-3, she may end up with no choice. The Lionesses looked poor throughout the game against Nigeria and they certainly rode their luck. Having an extra pair of legs in the heart of the team may end up being their saving grace.
