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Emma Hayes responds to Lauren James controversy after Chelsea star unfollows Lionesses team-mates Mary Earps and Ella Toone following Women's FA Cup final defeat

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  • James apparently unfollowed Man Utd players
  • No longer connected to Earps & Toone
  • Chelsea boss Hayes downplayed controversy
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    James seems to have unfollowed fellow Lionesses Mary Earps and Ella Toone on Instagram following a post on the social media platform by Manchester United defender Millie Turner in the wake of the Red Devils' victory against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final last week.

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  • Mary Earps Manchester United 2023-24Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Many United and England stars liked and commented on the post and James has apparently unfollowed a few of them. Turner eventually disabled comments on the post. The uproar sparked questions about a possible feud in the Lionesses squad, but Hayes suggested James does not have control over her Instagram account.

  • WHAT HAYES SAID

    Asked about James' social media activity at a press conference, Hayes told reporters: "We don't look at Instagram. She doesn't have it, so I don't know. Haven't had a conversation about Instagram with her. We haven't talked about it."

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  • Lauren James Georgia Stanway Alessia Russo England Sweden 2024Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?

    Tensions among the England women's team may be high when the stars get together ahead of their next match. Sarina Wiegman's side are in action again at the end of May, facing France in the UEFA Nations League.