Lauren James celebrates with England team-mates after Australia win with banned star set to RETURN for World Cup final
LAUREN JAMES has been pictured celebrating with her England team-mates after they beat Australia.
The Lionesses are through to their first-ever Women’s World Cup final after beating the co-hosts 3-1 on Wednesday.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo have set up a clash with Spain in Sunday’s final.
James was against absent for England as she served the final match of her two-game suspension.
The forward was banned for an additional match after being sent off in the round of 16 victory over Nigeria.
She is available to return for the final this weekend, though, and was in joyous spirits after the semi-final.
James was pictured celebrating the win with her team-mates.
Snaps from the tunnel showed her congratulating them after the win, with James seen smiling from ear to ear.
The Chelsea star could still win the tournament’s golden boot despite missing England’s last two matches.
She will go into the final with three goals, two behind current top scorer Hinata Miyazawa of Japan.
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Russo and Hemp have also scored three goals each, whilst James has three assists too.
Her place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up is far from guaranteed, though.
James’ replacement Toone was in fine form against Australia, opening the scoring with a thunderous strike.
Fans had been left fuming after the goal was ruined by the BBC commentary but they soon got over the disturbance.
Supporters were later pictured celebrating in wild scenes as they watched England seal victory Down Under.