- Lauren James appeared to put Millie Turner in a headlock during Sunday’s game
- Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Man United during their Cup semi-final on Sunday
- Championship title hopefuls are falling at the final hurdle! Who seizes the day to reach the Premier League from here? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Questions have arisen among fans online over a potential split between some key stars within the England women’s squad, after Lauren James appeared to unfollow Lionesses team-mates Mary Earps and Ella Toone on social media.
It came after the Chelsea star endured a difficult outing against Manchester United during Sunday’s FA Women’s Cup semi-final and was embroiled in a controversial incident just before half-time.
After Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams put United 2-0 up in the first half, James hit back with a goal just on the stroke of half-time. In an attempt to get the ball back to take a quick re-start, the England striker seemed to put Millie Turner in a headlock as the United defender attempted to slow down play.
Turner subsequently made light of the situation, posting a photo of James putting her in a headlock on her Instagram, among several other images, with the caption ‘KAMMOONNNN’. She later re-posted that image onto her story, writing ‘See you at Wembley my reds’ with a heart-eye emoji and a heart emoji.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have now pointed out that James, who received abuse online after she was sent off for a stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie at the Women’s World Cup this summer, has subsequently unfollowed Turner, Toone and Earps.
Lauren James has unfollowed several England team-mates after Chelsea’s loss to Man United
Turner made light of an image of James putting her in a headlock during on Instagram
Fans took to social media to question whether there is a divide emerging between the Lionesses
It has raised speculation among some fans over whether there is a split emerging between some members of Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.
One fan took to social media to express their concerns, writing: ‘I wonder if something else has gone down cause Earps and Toone aren’t exactly fringe England players, I hope LJ is okay and I’m glad she’s protecting herself.’
Others have also spoken out critically of the Instagram post, with journalist Beth Fisher writing on X (formerly Twitter) that Tuner’s social media post was ‘totally classless’ and ‘immature’.
‘I don’t know how many times I’ve seen footballers wrestle with the opposition for the ball but yet again there are vile comments towards Lauren James,’ Fisher said.
‘Turner’s subsequent social media stuff is totally immature and classless and has added to the pile on.’
X user @LH1999x added: ‘Millie Turner and Nancy Baker have completely lost any respect I had for them. Just coz you won, you don’t get to share a picture you know will add fuel to the fire. You may laugh coz she posted it, but LJ is not laughing about it.
‘She’s unfollowed Millie Turner, Mary Earps and Ella Toone. She’s removed them as followers. Lauren James did NOT obviously find her photo funny.’
Turner was criticised by one fan online for the post, who wrote: ‘Turner’s social media stuff is totally immature and classless’
Some fans took to social media to criticise Turner for the post, with one calling it ‘immature’
Despite James’ first-half goal, United went on to secure a berth in the Women’s FA Cup final
More to follow…
