England players who have been sent off in World Cup knockout games

Lauren James became the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup knockout match after her red card against Nigeria in the 2023 tournament.

The 21-year-old forward joined David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Millie Bright in the ignominious list of players who have seen red in white at the World Cup.

Here is a look back at the four England players who have been sent off in World Cup knockout games:

David Beckham v Argentina, 1998: Beckham was sent off in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup against Argentina for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties.

Wayne Rooney v Portugal, 2006: Rooney was sent off in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup against Portugal for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho. England lost the match on penalties.

Millie Bright v USA, 2019: Bright was sent off in the semi-finals of the 2019 Women's World Cup against the USA for a second yellow card. England lost the match 2-1.

Lauren James v Nigeria, 2023: James was sent off in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women's World Cup against Nigeria for treading on Michelle Alozie. England won the match 4-3 on penalties.

It is worth noting that James' red card was initially a yellow card, but it was upgraded to a red card after a VAR review.

The four England players who have been sent off in World Cup knockout games have all done so in high-pressure matches. Beckham's red card came in a crucial last-16 match against Argentina, while Rooney's and Bright's red cards came in quarter-final matches. James' red card came in a round of 16 match, but it was a match that England had to win to avoid elimination.

It is hoped that James' red card will be a one-off for England. The young forward has a bright future ahead of her, and she will be hoping to learn from this experience and avoid being sent off again in future World Cup knockout matches.