By Lori Ewing
SYDNEY (Reuters) – England have not dwelled on the loss of influential striker Lauren James from their World Cup quarter-final clash with Colombia on Saturday, said goalkeeper Mary Earps.
A standout in the group stage, James was shown a red card in the European champions’ shootout victory over Nigeria in the last-16 after a stamp to the back of Michelle Alozie. She was suspended two games after a disciplinary review.
“To be honest with you, it’s not something that we’ve really spoken a lot about, because we’re so focused on the game,” Earps told reporters on Friday. “Naturally, we want everybody to be available at all times. But the situation is what it is.
England coach Sarina Wiegman said they approach the 21-year-old’s absence as they did that of Keira Walsh, who missed a game-and-a-half with a knee injury.
“We have a squad of 23… and now we miss another player,” Wiegman said. “It’s just a team effort, and we support each other and we fill in places that come free.”
Fourth in the FIFA World Rankings ahead of the tournament, the Lionesses are one of the few leading teams remaining.
They will have to be prepared for a hostile sea of yellow and blue at Stadium Australia in Sydney, as the South Americans have enjoyed huge fan support Down Under.
Earps, who has conceded just one goal this tournament, said players relish the World Cup atmosphere.
“To play in a World Cup in general is a once in a lifetime type thing, hopefully multiple times in a lifetime if you’re lucky,” the Manchester United keeper said. “I think this level, it’s full of heat and pressure and all those emotions that come with it. And I think that’s exciting as a player.”
Colombia are the lowest-ranked team remaining at number 25, but the huge scare England got from Nigeria on Monday proved that rankings mean little in a tournament of upsets.
“It’s so competitive. And that’s the beauty of the game too,” Wiegman said. “It’s also the beauty of the growth of the women’s football game.
“I hope we can decide it before (penalties) but we definitely think this can be a very, very competitive game.”
Earps believes the tournament has not seen the best of England yet.
“I think there’s so much talent in the group and so many more levels that we can go,” she said.
“I don’t think we’ve been bad by any means. But I think you’ve seen glimpses of what we’re capable of.”
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Toby Chopra)
