Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

England vs Japan LIVE: Stream, score, goal updates as Ellen White scores in Women’s World Cup match

Follow LIVE updates as Phil Neville’s England play their final Group D match

Mark Critchley
Allianz Riviera, Nice
,Michael Jones
Wednesday 19 June 2019 20:22 BST
Comments
Women's World Cup: Japan v England match preview

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

England are looking to make it three from three when they take on Japan in the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday night.

Phil Neville’s side have already beaten Scotland and Argentina in Group D and will secure top spot if they avoid defeat at the Allianz Riviera. The Lionesses are growing in confidence under Neville, with Nikita Parris and Ellen White scoring against Scotland and Jodie Taylor scoring against Argentina.

The England boss must decide whether to rotate to remain fresh for the knock-out phase or maintain their momentum. Follow LIVE coverage below.


Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.

Match Prediction: Japan 0-2 England

The Lionesses succumbed to defeat against Japan in heart-breaking fashion at the last World Cup, losing 2-1 in the semi-finals via a stoppage-time own goal. Since then, England have grown from strength to strength and emerged as one of the sport's best teams. They notably beat Japan 3-0 at the SheBelieves Cup and now have the opportunity to reap revenge for the pain of their last World Cup outing.

Having demonstrated their maturity and composure to beat Argentina 1-0 win, England's place in the knockout stages of the competition is secured. Avoiding defeat against Japan on Wednesday would see them top Group D and go on to face China, Chile or Cameroon in the last-16 - a kind draw that would put them in good stead for the later stages of the tournament.

Japan pose a greater threat than either Scotland or Argentina but with confidence riding high, and qualification out of the group stages already wrapped up, expect to see a free and expressive England side take to the field. Their possession-based, patient style of play means this is unlikely to be a high-scoring affair but with the likes of Fran Kirby, Beth Mead and Jodie Taylor threatening against Argentina, there's no doubt Phil Neville's women will be looking to take the game to their Japanese opponents.

Japan 0 - 1 England

15 mins: GOAL! - White

She loves to play against Japan!

Georgia Stanway uses her strength to keep hold of the ball to the left of the mid-field. She plays a perfect through ball into the box and White splits the centre-backs, meets the ball and slots it past Yamashita, who comes off her line to close the angle, and into the far post. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:16

Japan 0 - 1 England

18 mins: Great stuff from England. They move the ball up the pitch with fluid motion, Duggan tries to switch the play out to Daly but Shimizu intercepts with a head. The ball comes to Jill Scott who hits one and forces Yamashita into a diving save. 

England's corner is sent out to the edge of the box where Stanway gets the ball and drills a shot at goal. Yamashita sticks out her left hand and palms the ball straight up. 

Two great saves from the Japanese goalkeeper!

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:20

Japan 0 - 1 England

21 mins: Scotland are also in action tonight. They need to win and hope results tomorrow go their way in order to qualify for the knockout stages. As things stand though, it's looking good for the Scots as they've taken a 1-0 lead over Argentina. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:22

Japan 0 - 1 England

24 mins: England look very sharp going forward. Jill Scott gives the ball to Lucy Bronze on the right. Bronze sends it forward to Daly who puts the ball into the box. White gets a head on it but can't generate enough power to challenge to goalkeeper. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:25

Japan 0 - 1 England

27 mins: Japan win a corner and Nakajima fires one into the centre of the box. Endo makes a foul and England can boot the ball long. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:27

Japan 0 - 1 England

30 mins: Nakajima is almost played in behind England's left-back but Millie Bright makes a good interception. 

A period of possession for Japan causes trouble for England, pockets of space keep opening up before Walsh gives away a free kick. 

The free kick is played short and Yokoyama shoots from a way out but Bardsley has it covered. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:31

Japan 0 - 1 England

33 mins: Daly takes the ball down the right wing before slipping it to Jill Scott. Scott crosses the ball into the box hoping to find Duggan arriving at the far post but she sends it too close to the goalkeeper and Yamashita claims it. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:33

Japan 0 - 1 England

36 mins: What a chance! A long ball forward from Keira Walsh plays Rachel Daly into the box. Daly shoves off Sameshima and takes a right-footed shot. The ball hits Yamashita's arm and goes out for a corner denying England a second in the process.

Japan defend the corner well and clear the ball. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:36

Japan 0 - 1 England

39 mins: Houghton keeps her composure under pressure to get the ball up to Ellen White. Japan win a throw in on the right wing but can't build an attack. Duggan sends the ball out to Daly who cuts inside and gives it to Stanway. Stanway then loses the ball. 

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:39

Japan 0 - 1 England

42 mins: Duggan gives the ball away and Yokoyama runs it towards the box. She toes the ball in an effort on goal and sends it wide. England have been caught a couple of times now after giving the ball away.

Michael Jones19 June 2019 20:42

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in