Nigerian player who Lauren James stamped on FORGIVES her: It's a game of passion

Michelle Alozie has called for Lauren James to be shown 'respect' after the England forward was sent off for stepping on her back during Monday's World Cup clash.

James faces the prospect of a tournament-ending three-match ban for her sending off in the closing stages of normal time in Monday's last-16 tie, which ended with England beating Nigeria on penalties.

Alozie tweeted she understood why James acted as she did in the pressure environment of a World Cup knockout game.

'Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world's stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James,' she wrote.

Alozie, 26, also posted a picture of James standing on her back and captioned it 'life.'

Speaking after England won the penalty shoot-out 4-2, having clung on through extra time with 10 players, Alozie said there were 'no hard feelings.'

'It was good for us. James is a really good player and nullifying her was really big for us,' she said.

'I'm fine, my butt is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially.

'I didn't understand what was going on at first. There's no hard feelings, it's just a game.'