England Star’s Violent Conduct at FIFA Women’s World Cup Likened to David Beckham’s 25-Year-Old Controversy by Premier League Legend

While England may have made their way through the Round of 16, somehow, Lauren James emerged as the talking point after the contest. The English star was booked for a red-card offense following her stomp on Michelle Alozie, which has been compared to David Beckham‘s infamous foul on Diego Simeone.

While the player was first shown a yellow card, VAR intervention clarified that her foul was much more severe. Following the booking, James will miss out on the upcoming game, but the suspension could even drag on to three games. Many fans have compared Lauren’s booking with the one of David Beckham in 1998, with English pundit Gary Lineker giving his thoughts on the matter.

Gary Lineker calls Lauren James’ stomp ‘a moment of madness’

England legend and pundit Gary Lineker touched down on the foul committed by Lauren James comparing it to the one made by David Beckham. Lineker made a comment on his X account, calling the foul a moment of madness.

While Lineker may be right in his opinion, James has been England’s top player this World Cup. If the player is suspended for 3 or more games, it could hurt England’s chances of lifting the World Cup. Despite the foul, the Three Lionesses are currently behind their player with head coach Sarina Wiegman admitting the team is behind her.

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Sarina Wiegman backs Lauren James following David Beckham comparisons

While fans have compared Lauren James’ foul with the one committed by David Beckham in 1998, the team is still behind the player. Beckham, in 1998, had a moment of frustration as he swung his leg on Argentina’s Diego Simeone in front of the referee. Similarly, James stomped down on Michelle Alozie’s back.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has backed Lauren James despite the situation and feels like the foul was just in the heat of the moment.

“She’s an inexperienced player on this stage and has done really well, and I think in a split second she just lost her emotions. And of course, she doesn’t want to hurt anyone. She’s the sweetest person I know, and things happen like that and you can’t change it anymore, so it’s a huge lesson for her to learn, but of course, it’s not something that she really did on purpose.”

With Lauren James suspended for the upcoming game, FIFA’s disciplinary committee will make a statement on the player’s suspension following their evaluation. If James is forced out to miss more games, England could take a massive blow.

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