Matildas handed huge potential boost as 'disgusting' act punished at World Cup
England have been rocked by a key suspension in what could be a massive development for the Matildas.
If the Matildas advance to the semi-finals at the Women's World Cup and have to play England, they will get the advantage of not having to face superstar midfielder Lauren James. The Matildas have to get past France in Saturday's quarter-final, but a potential showdown with England is looming in the semis.
England's hopes were hampered on Thursday when James was hit with a two-game ban for a shocking stomp against Nigeria in the round of 16. James received a red card for violent conduct after blatantly standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie.
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She will now miss England's quarter-final clash with Colombia in Sydney on Saturday, and won't be available should her side advance to the semis. The two-game ban came with a silver lining for England, who had feared James would be rubbed out for three games and miss the remainder of the tournament (if they make the final).
James had been one of the stars of the tournament before her moment of madness, scoring three goals and providing three more assists as England advanced as the winner of Group D. She later apologised for her actions after the blatant stomp was labelled 'shameful' and 'disgusting'.
"Obviously she's disappointed with what happened on the day," England forward Beth England said. "It was a split second, emotional moment that happened. We've got around her. It is good that she's acknowledged that and put her apology out and now we just wait to see what FIFA do and we just move on from it now."
Will Sam Kerr start for Matildas against France?
The Matildas have also been boosted by the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, who made her first appearance of the World Cup in a 15-minute cameo against Denmark in the round of 16. After coming off the bench at the death, debate has broken out about whether or not Kerr should start against France.
Former Matildas player Emily Gelnick said it would be "silly" to mess with the Matildas' winning formula, with Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler and Emily van Egmond all excelling in Kerr's absence. But football icons Ian Wright and Craig Foster said Kerr must start if fully fit.
Kerr was keeping her cards close to her chest when asked if she would start against France after the 2-0 win over Denmark. "It was amazing for Sam to experience that," defender Clare Hunt said on Thursday about the reception Kerr received when she came onto the field.
"To have the disappointment of not starting that first game, the way that she was met by the Australian crowd and by her teammates ... was special for her."
Van Egmond said the Matildas had been lifted by the outpouring of support for Kerr. "We felt it in the change room before, and the training sessions before we've had her back in and around the group. She's been immense for us," she said.
"No matter what role Sam plays she's a proven game changer. She's shown that time and time again. She's the best striker in the world."
When do the Matildas play against France? How to watch
Van Egmond said she didn't think coach Tony Gustavsson would be unduly concerned with how best to use Kerr and the rest of his red-hot attack. "He's probably sleeping better," she said with a grin. "It's not a nightmare at all. It's a dream come true."
The Matildas and France will go head-to-head at 5pm (AEST) on Saturday for a place in the semis. Channel 7 have made the extraordinary decision to push back the 6pm news bulletin by an hour so they can show the Matildas game on the main channel in its entirety, rather than shunting them to 7two or 7Mate.
Women's World Cup quarter-finals:
Spain v Netherlands - Friday 11am
Australia v France - Saturday 5pm
* all times AEST
with agencies
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