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The stadium that stands on the site of a mock-African village from the Twenties. A Soho nightclub where Britain’s first all-black band was founded. The Old Kent Road restaurant where Harrison Ford tucked contentedly into Nigerian pounded yam and stew. Though they are not always marked by blue plaques, London teems with locations that relate to the long, complicated history of black African settlement in the capital.
That was the lesson that I learned, over and over again, during the writing of my first book, Settlers. And, of course, the capital’s fidgety aversion to standing still has only expanded this map. What may once have been merely a tour of inter-war institutions and culturally significant buildings now encompasses markets, amapiano-fuelled day parties and sleekly appointed restaurants.
Each one tells a story of specific African influence — and with it, of course, the linked but distinct tale of the black Caribbean diaspora — that continues to shape our mad, multi-faceted and ever-thrumming city. So here, to coincide with the paperback publication of my book, are nine unheralded landmarks that speak to the past, present and future of African London.
Ridley Road Market
From the moment this east London icon was established in the late 19th century it has been the unofficial stronghold of interwoven migrant groups; a polyphonic outdoor bazaar where Irish, Jewish, Turkish, Caribbean and South Asian communities have come to haggle, gossip, buy and organise. However, from the Eighties especially, Ridley has been a particular point of connection and commerce for London’s African heritage settlers. It is a legacy written in wax print fabrics, calabash bowls and African land snails writhing in cardboard boxes. An amorphous, unruly cultural centre but also a deeply meaningful one.
West African Students’ Union House
Camden would probably not be the first place that most would identify as a long-standing stronghold of Black African culture. But from 1933 it was there that the West African Students’ Union opened its first hostel. Ostensibly a residence for overseas students, it was also a social club, cultural embassy and base for a powerful political pressure group (Kwame Nkrumah, first president and founding father of independent Ghana, was a regular). Also, it was home to perhaps the first formal West African restaurant in Britain.
DLT Brunch and Recess
These two roving day parties — which can be found at the likes of BoxPark Croydon as well as at far-flung editions everywhere from Malta to Margate — are nothing less than the Henny-burping quintessence of what it is to be young, black and carefree in modern London. Both founded by second-generation British-Nigerians, they balance a heavy Caribbean influence with a pronounced African accent. A truth exemplified by the Afrobeats acts that have performed (notably, Wizkid) and the fact that Dave name-checked DLT on his last EP. They continue a proud tradition of politically purposeful, diasporic partying.
Sumner Road Chapel
In 1906, this Peckham building was turned into holy and historically significant ground. That’s because it was here that Thomas Brem Wilson — a high-born Ghanaian entrepreneur turned preacher — initiated the first black majority Pentecostal church in the country. The Sumner Road Chapel had a tumultuous existence (the fervour of its faith-healing sermons drew complaints from neighbours, bricks through the window and at least one newspaper investigation) but it established a blueprint for London worship houses tailored to the African diaspora.
Wembley Stadium
Initially erected as part of a purpose-built site to mark 1924’s British Empire Exhibition, this vast “living museum” and imperial muscle-flex featured an ersatz West African village inhabited by invited Nigerians. Of course, as well as the original stadium, almost all the Empire Exhibition’s buildings have been knocked down. The sole exception is the India Pavilion which, incongruously, is now a carpet warehouse.
The Africa Centre
A spiritual antecedent of the WASU hostel, this “home from home” for London’s broad African diaspora was first established in Covent Garden in 1964. Multi-faceted and politically purposeful (the Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a fan) it is nonetheless mostly remembered for being an enormous vibe — the home of the raucous basement Soweto bar, the pan-African restaurant Calabash, and Soul II Soul legend Jazzie B’s mythical parties. Unlike so much of hazily remembered African London, it actually lives on in the form of a swish new complex in Southwark.
66 Great Suffolk Street, SE1 0BL, africacentre.org.uk
Draughtboard Alley
This area of Canning Town — so-called because it was a part of the city where black and white lived semi-harmoniously — was where Somali and Asian sailors put down roots after the First World War. They established a strikingly cosmopolitan community replete with mixed-heritage families and, a little later, charitable organisations such as The Coloured Men’s Institute — a proto-food bank and community centre established by a Ceylonese Methodist organiser called Kamal Chunchie. Sadly, Draughtboard Alley’s ragged utopia would not last. In 1917 it suffered racist attacks, and by 1930 Chunchie’s neighbourhood hub was demolished.
805
It was autumn 2014 when John Boyega took his Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford for a much-mythologised Nigerian meal at a certified Old Kent Road institution called 805. That Ford had to sprawl out in the taxi home, in a semi-catatonic state, will not surprise anyone who has taken on a platter of pounded yam and egusi stew. Still, it was fitting that 805 should be the venue for this modern piece of African-themed celebrity folklore as it was the unofficial starting line for a long list of restaurants that show how the continent continues to shape the capital’s landscape and appetites.
805 Old Kent Road, SE15 1NX; 24 Kendal Street, Connaught Square, W2 2AW; 60 Vivian Avenue, NW4 3XH, 805restaurants.com
The Black Mile
In the Thirties, this was the name used to describe an area of Soho famed both for its dark licentiousness and as a playground for the inter-war period’s black community. A long roll call of clubs and restaurants — The Nest, The Shim Sham, and the Blitz-era Abalabi, where Nigerian musician Ambrose Campbell formed pioneering all-black band the West African Brothers — survived an atmosphere of police raids and moral panic to become legendary cradles of sexual and social progressiveness. If Soho still has a freeness, grit and cool, then it was definably shaped by these clubs, and those of African descent.
[standard]
At their first home World Cup, the Matildas have already created history. By winning the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history against France, they took Australia to a football World Cup semifinal for the first time ever.
Despite reaching these dizzying heights for just the first time ever, Australia seem to have everything necessary to go all the way. Although most models are calling them the third-best team among the four semifinalists, they might have a pretty good chance of winning the tournament if they play their match-ups right.
A Shaky Start
The Matildas must have been feeling on top of the World after that penalty shootout victory in the quarterfinal, but there was a time not so long ago when their very participation in the knockouts was seriously jeopardized.
After Sam Kerr’s calf injury ruled her out of the opener, Australia’s tournament got off to a good enough start on the pitch with a 1-0 win against a staunch Irish side on the opening day. They were far from convincing, though, and it seemed that a stronger side could get at them pose serious problems.
That proved to be true in the next group game against Nigeria, which was a five-goal thriller that went the Super Falcons’ way. The Matildas did score the opener on the stroke of half-time but failed to hold on to their advantage until the break, and then were opened up on the counterattack in the second half as they chased a positive result.
This defeat dropped Australia down to third in their group, setting up a matchday 3 decider against Olympic Gold Medalists Canada, whom they would have to beat to stay in the tournament. While this was a big scare that no one would have wanted to endure, it seems to have proven beneficial for them in the bigger picture.
The reason behind that is the fact that the defeat to Nigeria was the necessary shock to the system that forced Tony Gustavsson and his coaching staff to tweak their tactics a little bit.
Finding The Right Formula
Ever since Gustavsson took charge of the Matildas in 2020, they have been a team that thrives in transitions and counterattacks but seem to struggle when allowed to keep a lot of possession. This was clear right from the last Olympics, when they failed to win a single match where they had the majority of the ball. Their disappointing elimination from the Asian Cup quarterfinal reinforced this, as they lost to South Korea in a match where they had about two-thirds of possession.
With that in mind, it should be no surprise that they had close to 65% possession in both of their first two group games, which were clearly their two most disappointing performances. After the defeat to Nigeria, Gustavsson realized that they were best off playing in a way that they were most comfortable with, so he switched things up.
Australia adopted a less possession-based approach against Canada, allowing the Olympic champions to keep much more of the ball. Their aim was to set up a centrally compact 4-4-2 mid block with pressing traps in midfield, where they looked to win the ball back.
The blueprint is quite clear: win the ball back in midfield and immediately play forward. That is why the wide midfielders are usually positioned a little bit higher than the central ones, as they often serve as the outlets for the transitions and counterattacks. This tactic helped them put four goals past Canada as well as a couple past Denmark in the Round of 16, where this one epitomized Australia’s changed approach:
In addition to this stylistic change, Gustavsson made one crucial adjustment in terms of personnel. After watching Caitlin Foord struggle without her usual strike-partner Sam Kerr in the front-two, he decided to shift her out to the left wing where she could form a connection with left-back Steph Catley, whom she regularly plays with at Arsenal. Further, Foord’s runs in behind make her a great counterattacking outlet for her side, as is evidenced by the above clip.
Besides Foord, this new approach has also unlocked the best of Mary Fowler. The 20-year-old striker has looked fantastic in transition, not just with her runs in behind but also with her ability to hold the ball up and release through passes for teammates to chase (as she did for Foord against Denmark).
Moreover, this new approach has also helped Australia shore up their defense. After letting in three goals against Nigeria, they have kept three clean sheets and restricted their opponents to 3, 3 and 5 shots on target respectively in their subsequent matches. Clearly, this mid-tournament tweak has been the key to Australia’s success in all aspects so far.
Home Advantage
All the on-pitch action and tactics are, of course, the most important aspect in analysing football, but it is also important to consider wider contexts. In this regard, Australia have something the three other semifinalists don’t–thousands upon thousands of supporters cheering them on in the stadiums.
Attendance records have been broken as every game involving Australia has been sold out, but it is not just the die-hard football fans who are behind them. The World Cup fever has swept across the entire country, as public watch parties have been filled to the brim all over the country and the Matildas have become the talk of the town. Videos all over the internet can attest to this, but perhaps none better than this flight:
In this sense, the Matildas might already have achieved something greater than winning the World Cup. Their performances and the support they have received will surely go on to create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond this tournament, perhaps even one that converts Australia into a full-on footballing nation.
But that is a separate discussion and one that will become less and less debatable the further the team advances. Indeed, they look in decent shape to compete for the trophy. Their semifinal opponents, England, are yet another team who look to dominate possession and have themselves looked susceptible to counterattacks in previous matches, so Australia’s current style of play seems to be the right one to defeat the European champions.
Should they advance to the final, the Matildas will come up against Spain or Sweden in the last game of the tournament. Of course, there are a lot of factors that can influence a World Cup final especially, but on paper, they seem to have what it takes to get the better of either team. Sweden’s performances so far have often been unconvincing so they are the least-fancied of the four semifinalists, while Spain also play a possession-dominant style that makes them susceptible to counterattacks.
But the biggest boost for Australia could be the complete return of Sam Kerr. After her calf injury ruled her out of the group stage, the star striker has appeared off the bench in both knockout games so far and spent over an hour on the pitch against France, so she will surely be fit to start against England. Her world-class clinicality will add yet another threat to this Australian attack, making them all the more dangerous on the break.
Having survived what seemed to be the most grueling penalty shootout humankind has ever seen, Australia will surely be ready to face anything in their last two matches. If things go their way, we could well witness one of the greatest and most historic successes in World Cup history.
Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic his team will have a good outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.
Ilechukwu said the Flying Antelopes have all it takes to challenge for the title.
He admitted that the team needs some improvement but assured that the players are ready for the new season.
“We are still building, and I am optimistic that we shall be ready to hold our own should the season kickoff today,” he told the club’s media.
“Our game against Enyimba, I give it to them as they have been together for a longer period. At the same time, I commend my players for the way we played in containing them.
“Enyimba possessed more balls in the game, but we created more scoring chances but took only one. In all, I am satisfied with the output of my players ahead of the new season.”
[DailyPost]
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is hosting members of the female football team, the Super Falcons, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Super Falcons crashed out of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, having lost through penalties to the English team last Monday.
The First Lady, who held a similar meeting with the victorious Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigresses, last Monday, has since been encouraging female sports by urging them on.
Anthony Joshua, the British boxer of Nigerian heritage, defeated Robert Helenius, his opponent, via knockout in their heavyweight boxing bout at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night.
The former heavyweight champion won the fight after he handed his opponent from Finland a brutal punch in the seventh round.
With the triumph, Joshua scores his first knockout win since December 2020 when he defeated Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in a WBA, IBO, IBF and WBO title defence.
Helenius, who replaced banned Dylian White one week before the bout, required oxygen but recovered to congratulate a slim-looking Joshua before exiting the ring unaided.
“I knew this would happen, everyone’s talking about the new AJ and the old AJ and after two or three rounds the crowd starts to get a little bit impatient,” said Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, in a chat with BBC.
“He finds the measure of his right hand and he delivers one of the knockouts of the year on Robert Helenius… this is just the AJ you’re going to see now.
“He’s still got to be more aggressive than we saw tonight but there’s a lot on the line.”
It is back-to-back wins for Joshua after his decision victory against Jermaine Franklin in April.
It is also his second victory since relinquishing his heavyweight title belts to Oleksandr Usyk who defeated him on two occasions.
Usyk defeated Joshua on September 25, 2021. The British boxer also suffered in the hands of his Ukrainian counterpart for the second time on August 21, 2022.
Joshua extends his record to 26 wins and three defeats, with 23 of his wins coming via knockout.
The 33-year-old is expected to fight Deontey Wilder in January 2024.
Wilder knocked out Helenius in the first round of their fight last October.
[TheCable]
Nigerian track and field athlete, Tobi Amusan, has been cleared by the World Athletics to compete in the World Championship starting this weekend in Budapest, Hungary.
Amusan’s chances of participating at the Budapest 2023 World Championships had been hung in the balance as she was undergoing the doping investigation.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) did not include her name in the upcoming competition as the world’s athletics body had not confirmed her.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) initially suspended the 26-year-old for missing three consecutive tests but has now given her the nod to represent Nigeria at the World Championship.
She appeared before the jury Thursday and got a favourable verdict.
Amusan ran the fastest time ever in the hurdles at 12.12 seconds in the semi-final of the women’s 100m hurdles and in the final she recorded 12.06, it was adjudged to the wind aided. The stunning delivery left the world spellbound.
And ahead of the Budapest 2023 contest she is the woman to beat, but her suspension in July cast a shadow on her quest to retain the title. She had posted a 12.34 seconds after a slow start to the season.
Nia Ali leads the world ahead of Budapest athletics showpiece with 12.30 seconds. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Kendra Harrison have 12.31 season best.
After protracted negotiations between Napoli and the agent of Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen, reports have emerged that a deal has been agreed upon with the striker now set to sign a new contract with the Serie A champions.
Recently, Napoli’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, confirmed that the Nigerian would extend his stay in Naples, ending the speculation surrounding the striker’s future.
“I want Osimhen to be happy. The club and the player have executed commendable efforts. He’s an essential driving force for us; we rely on his goal-scoring capabilities,” Garcia said.
“Once the agreement is official, he’ll be able to focus solely on his on-field contributions, a prospect that I find preferable.”
Details published by Italian publication, Football-Italia, on Saturday, revealed that the Nigerian has been offered a new three years contract extension that includes a release clause at €150m and a salary at €10m (N8.4bn) per season.
This new deal is expected to run to June 2027 and will see his wages sky-rocket to €10m per season from his current €5.5m including bonuses and a portion of his image rights.
Football-Italia added that the release clause is set to be at two different levels, one for clubs outside of Italy and one specifically for the Saudi Pro League, reaching €150m.
Osimhen recently helped Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years and also became the first African to win the Capocannoniere (Serie A Top Scorer Award).
The striker also broke a 14-year jinx of being the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimovic to win the Scudetto and the Capocannoniere same season.
His impressive performance received interest from numerous clubs this summer, including Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and several Saudi Pro League sides like Al-Hilal.
While various prominent European clubs faltered in their pursuit, the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal seemed poised for success.
Al-Hilal made not one but two bids for Osimhen and offered an alluring salary package that would have rendered him the highest-earning African footballer in history.
However, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Osimhen were always focused on continuing their rapport together at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The 24-year-old forward was again on target during Napoli’s 2-0 victory against Apollon Limassol in a recent friendly match on Friday.
Michelle Chinwendu Alozie, defender for the Nigerian Super Falcons and Houston Dash, has revealed her crush on Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi.
The American born revealed this during a virtual interview with Pulse after being asked which male footballer on the Nigeria Super Eagles team she admires.
A photo of Super Falcons defender, Chinwendu Alozie, credit ; Aloziee/Instagram
The interviewer asked:
“I’ll ask you this question, but you can decide to waive it; just as we’ve got some tempting, beautiful, good-looking ladies in the national team, we’ve got the same thing when it comes to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Have you got any crush among those players?”
She replied:
“I will say Alex Iwobi”
The 26-year-old rose to fame in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
Her response has however sparked reactions among Netizens
One uthredofmercia wrote: “with the thunderbolt speed she use answer that question pretty sure something must have been cooking behind the scenes ,I no trust this girl she too fine abeg?”
Ohams4PeterObi reacted: “End of discussion.
@alexiwobi come and carry your property.”
Chidubem_OH said: “She didn’t even waste time ??”
Froblematichild wrote: “The swiftness in her response ??, Michelle alozie don break plenty people hearts now.”
Watch the video below:
Media
Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has defeated Robert Helenius in a seventh-round knockout.
This serves as a huge boost for the Nigerian ahead of his fight with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia next year.
Helenius dragged the match to the seventh round before Joshua won through a Knock Out.
In the round, as soon as Joshua landed the knockout punch, he immediately jumped out of the ring.
Conor McGregor hugged him and poured some Guinness down his neck.
Hopes of seeing the Nigerian-born British boxer reclaim his lost heavyweight boxing titles against Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk was dashed after he lost to the Ukrainian in August 2022.
Media
It was a dramatic day for the co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Australia, as they escaped France’s battle in the quarter-finals to qualify for their first semi-final in the history of the tournament.
After a goalless 120 minutes of action, France and Australia who the Super Falcons of Nigeria beat 3-2 in the tournament’s group stage, settled for a thrilling penalty shootout.
The quarter-final clash at the Brisbane Stadium recorded a massive 12 goals from the two teams via the penalty shootout.
Australia won 7-6 in the shootout that exceeded expectations with its dramatic turns. Cortnee Vine scored the game-winning penalty kick after Vicki Becho had hit the post for France.
Mackenzie Arnold of Australia made a total of four saves in the shootout, including two against Kenza Dali after the latter moved off the line for the first stop and necessitated a retake.
After Eve Perisset’s save, Arnold herself had an opportunity to give Australia the victory with a penalty kick as the fifth shooter, but she missed the post as the roughly 50,000 Australians in attendance felt every emotion imaginable.
Eventually, the hosts managed to push themselves through to their first-ever semifinal of a Women’s World Cup after the thrilling penalty shootout.
In the semi-finals on August 16, at 11:00, the co-hosts will take on either England or Colombia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
More...
Manchester United Delays Mason Greenwood’s Return Decision Amid Consultation with Women’s World Cup Players
AdminManchester United Football Club has opted to postpone the decision regarding the return of young talent Mason Greenwood, as the team takes a considerate approach by consulting its Women’s World Cup players. The decision, which was initially anticipated to be revealed ahead of Monday’s match against Wolves, will now be disclosed at a later date.
Sources indicate that the club is prioritizing open communication and collaboration among its players, acknowledging the valuable perspectives of their Women’s World Cup contingent. This approach aligns with Manchester United’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment across all levels of the organization.
Greenwood’s return to the squad has been a topic of anticipation among fans and football enthusiasts alike. The English forward has exhibited immense potential and skill, earning him a significant place within the team. While supporters await his return, the club’s willingness to engage with its Women’s World Cup players showcases a dedication to holistic decision-making that takes into account the insights and experiences of all members.
As the team prepares for Monday’s encounter with Wolves, the spotlight remains on the collaborative efforts being undertaken by Manchester United’s management. This move not only exemplifies the club’s respect for its players but also underscores the significance of comprehensive and thorough decision-making processes.
Manchester United’s decision to consult its Women’s World Cup players is indicative of the club’s progressive and inclusive approach, which extends beyond the pitch. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and consideration, the club aims to strengthen its unity and enhance its decision-making strategies for the betterment of the entire team.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to official Manchester United channels and trusted sports news sources.
Source: MailSport
Women's World Cup: Mary Earps aiming to 'block out the noise' ahead of crucial World Cup encounter with Colombia
Admin
Without Mary Earps would England be here in a World Cup quarter-final?
With three clean sheets in four games and Monday's penalty shootout success against Nigeria, the goalkeeper is a Lioness being lauded.
"I try to block out as much of the noise as possible," Earps said ahead of Saturday's meeting with Colombia. "But I very much hope that they're praising goalkeepers. I think the performances have been fantastic and deserve a lot of credit."
But if you want to replicate the Earps look you cannot. England goalkeepers' jerseys are still not sold to the public - an anomaly more than 37,000 people have signed a petition urging Nike to reverse.
"It did tickle me that I've got to say," Earps said. "I know that it is being looked into by the relevant parties at various levels and it will be a conversation that we pick up post-tournament.
"But I just want to thank everyone for their support on that."
Support that will only grow if the European champions can beat Colombia at Stadium Australia in Sydney and reach a third consecutive Women's World Cup semi-final.
Colombia have never made it to the quarter-finals before. But they've already helped to knock out two-time champions Germany.
England will have to cope without top scorer
England will also have to cope without tournament top scorer Lauren James who is starting a two-match suspension for a stamp against Nigeria.
"Lauren is doing fine," Earps said. "Obviously, what she did was wrong and she knows it was wrong. She apologised for it publicly. Now she faces the consequences.
"As a team we stick together and we stand behind her in that."
Replacing her goals could determine England's progress - James has scored three of the eight scored.
'You've seen glimpses of what we're capable of'
Aside from the 6-1 thrashing of China, England have only secured 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark and the match against Nigeria was goalless after 120 minutes - thanks to Earps' saves.
The 2022 European Championship winner said: "I don't think we've been bad by any means, but you've seen glimpses of what we're capable of. We know and understand where we want to get to. We know we can give more."
Without having to go through penalties again - as were required to get past Nigeria.
'Not one game is easy for anyone'
England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "I hope we don't have that much stress. We've seen in this tournament that not one game is easy for anyone. It is so competitive.
"That's the beauty of the game too. It's also the beauty of the growth of women's football."
That growth is reflected by the fact this Women's World Cup will have a first-time champion.
The last former champions standing - 2011 winners Japan - have been toppled by Sweden, who previously knocked out the holders from America.
The 2019 runners-up were also sent packing with the Netherlands beaten 2-1 by Spain, who reached their first Women's World Cup semi-final at only their third tournament appearance.
"You can see how tight these games have been in this tournament," Earps said. "The level of teams that have left the competition. I think that just shows what an incredible place that the women's game is in."
[uk.news]
Technically astute. Fleet-footed. Strong. Rapid. These are just some words that describe England star Lauren James as a soccer player. In England’s 4-2 penalty win over Nigeria in the round-of-16, the starlet displayed her more petulant side though.
Frustrated by how Nigeria had played better than her and her teammates, and were holding them to a nil-all stalemate, which eventually required penalties, James inexplicably lost the plot.
The 21-year stomped on already floored Nigerian defender Michelle Alozie after the pair had tussled for the ball with just a handful of minutes left until extra time.
Initially, she was fortunate enough to be shown a cautionary yellow. However, a video assistant referee (VAR) review saw the decision overturned and the exciting forward was red carded instead. Her teammates were able to stave off the Nigerians — winning via penalties — in spite of their one-player deficit.
Nigeria’s defender Michelle Alozie reacts after being fouled by England’s Lauren James. (Photo: Patrick Hamilton / AFP)
The apologetic starlet has since been handed a two-game ban by Fifa. Her dismissal carried an automatic one-match ban. However, world soccer’s governing body felt that punishment was not enough and added one more game to her suspension.
That means England’s top goal scorer at the tournament to date — with three goals from four games – will miss their crucial quarterfinal contest versus Colombia on Saturday, 12 August. She will also miss a potential semifinal and is only slated to be back for the final. If her country makes it that far.
In spite of Fifa’s heavy punishment, Alozie shared that she holds no ill feelings towards James for the moment of madness.
“We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments… All respect for Lauren James,” shared Alozie.
The attacker’s absence will be a huge knock to England’s hopes of repeating what they managed at the 2022 European Championship — where they marched all the way to gold, winning the competition for the first time in history.
A year later, in New Zealand and Australia, Sarina Wiegman’s charges are in pursuit of a maiden World Cup gold medal. The best they have managed before was bronze in 2015.
With traditional powerhouses such as the USA and Germany out of the reckoning, the English are in with a great chance to simultaneously hold the titles of European and world champions.
Against a tricky and tenacious Columbia, the Europeans will definitely miss James. When she is not petulantly stampeding on opponents she is a genuine threat for the World Cup hopefuls.
So influential has she been so far that of the eight goals that her country has managed Down Under, she has been directly involved in six. Her three goals are complemented by three assists — the joint-most as it stands.
With the likes of Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, as well as Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly waiting on the wings, the champions of Europe are not bereft of quality. Nevertheless, none can match James for her creative output.
“That’s the decision that’s made. Of course, that’s not up to me. It’s two games, that’s a fact for us and we respect that punishment. We take it from here and just hope we get through,” said England coach Wiegman.
Lauren James (centre) of England and Lingwei Yao (left) of China in action during the Women’s World Cup 2023 group D match in Adelaide, Australia on 1 August, 2023. (Photo: EPA-EFE/Matt Turner)
Rising star
Though she has caught people’s attention, for mostly the right reasons at the ongoing World Cup, the 21-year-old has been making waves for years now.
The Londoner, of Grenadian and Dominican descent through her father, and English descent through her mother, is capable of sashaying beyond markers with ease.
She began her career with Chelsea, alongside her older brother and Chelsea captain Reece James. She then departed for a stint with neighbours Arsenal. She was just 16 years old when she debuted for the Gunners in 2017.
She would leave London to be part of Manchester United’s first women’s team a year later. She spent three years with the Red Devils before she completed a full turn-around and she found herself back at Chelsea once more in 2021.
Since returning, she has firmly established herself as one of Chelsea’s most important players. She helped them win back-to-back league and FA Cup titles in 2022 and 2023.
At the World Cup, she maintained that form and confidence. Evidenced by her scintillating curled goal as England beat Denmark 1-0 in the group stage.
As her stock continues to rise, she says she wants to carve her own legacy in the game. Speaking before the World Cup began, James said she doesn’t want to be known as just Reece’s sister.
“I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as ‘this is Lauren James.’’’
The incident with Alozie may have dimmed her World Cup shine somewhat. However, if her teammates can carry on hoisting the torch until the final, it will be the perfect platform for her redemption. DM
[dailymaverick]
Lauren James’s red card against Nigeria was just pure frustration. I don’t think anyone in an England shirt could get her into the game and you could see the exasperation building up for a few players.
It was disappointing, but Lauren will learn from it. As a young player, she will take a lot from this situation and I just hope people let it go.
You can’t condone it, because no one can do that on the pitch, but we all make mistakes. No one is perfect. Football is an emotional game and her emotion just got the better of her.
But we can’t all cling on to it. We have to let it go — and so do England. Colombia will not be an easy game and, like Nigeria, it is one of those matches where you just need to ignore the world rankings.
Nigeria were better than England in every department. They were excellent in stopping us and I think Sarina Wiegman needs to freshen up her team on Saturday.
I thought some players looked a little bit tired and leggy on Monday, and Ella Toone is one of those I would bring back into the side.
Beth England is another I would start, up top instead of Alessia Russo, and I would have Chloe Kelly out wide with Lauren Hemp.
It might be best for England to revert back to what they know with the formation and play with a back four instead of a three.
That’s how the Lionesses started against Haiti and this Colombia game could well be similar.
England need to take the game to Colombia and try to impose themselves, press high and put pressure on their backline. They cannot afford to sit back.
England need to make sure they have some impact players from the bench, which is why it is not bad having Alessia there.
I thought before the Nigeria game it might be best not to start Lauren, and people looked at me like I was crazy. But I just felt it wasn’t a bad idea, simply because the Lionesses need substitutes who can make a difference.
You need players who can come on and hurt teams in those final 20 minutes, and that will be the case on Saturday
[Evening Standard]