Lauren James denies miraculous goal against China at Women’s World Cup… as England fans criticize controversial offside decision

England fans have criticized the controversial decision to rule out Lauren James’ stunning goal against China at the Women’s World Cup.

James had already struck once to put the Lionesses 3-0 ahead in their last Group D game.

The England striker believed she had added a fourth by curling a left-footed attempt into the net from the edge of the box.

The England celebrations were halted after referee Casey Reibelt was warned by VAR officials about a possible offside ahead of the game.

Lucy Bronze was eventually deemed to have come back from an offside position, before the England defender teased James for the try.

The goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled Lucy Bronze offside

England fans criticized the decision on social media, insisting that while Bronze was initially sidelined, a new phase of play should have started after the ball hit a Chinese defender.

“The VAR just robbed us of that Lauren James shriek for no apparent reason,” one fan wrote. “How is it possible that Lucy Bronze is ‘disturbing play’ when she is ten yards from the header in the playing phase and the ball only came to her after she came back onside.”

“Lauren James robbed of that absolute goal belt by one of the worst VAR offside calls I’ve ever seen,” said another.

“What do I see with that offside decision for Lauren James? I’m stunned,” said a third.

“How’s that offside, she’s clearly just walking around with no intention of getting to the ball in the early stages of play,” another claimed. Then in the second phase she was clearly on. Such a beautiful goal was cut short with a stupid decision.’

England supporters criticized the decision to rule out James’ second goal on social media

Despite the disallowed goal, the Lionesses had a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.

James had scored England’s third goal, adding to goals from Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

Wang Shuang narrowed the deficit for China in the second half with a penalty kick.

England supporters were left with the prospect of a stunning James hat-trick, after the striker scored a superb left foot volley to give the Lionesses a 4-1 lead.

England would advance to the knockout stage if they earned at least a point against China.