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
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
66 mins: What a tackle! Steph Houghton makes a last ditch, well timed challenge to deny Sugasawa a goal. England make a defensive mistake that allows Sugasawa to get into the box with the ball. Millie Bright is nowhere to be seen but Houghton comes across and takes the ball just as the Japanese forward is about to hit it.
Japan 0 - 1 England
69 mins: Scotland are three goals to the good now against Argentina and should leave themselves with a chance of progressing to the last 16. Jade Moore is warming up for England, she'll come on to secure the mid-field.
Japan 0 - 1 England
72 mins: The ball bounces off the referee and as a result of the law change she takes the ball and gives it back to Japan, who were in possession when it hit her. Moore comes on for Walsh as England make their first change.
Japan 0 - 1 England
75 mins: Sugasawa is pulling this Japanese side on on her own. She gets the ball about 30-yards out, turns and shoots but Bardsley smothers it safely. Japan are in the ascendancy as England struggle to keep hold of the ball.
Georgia Stanway departs now as Karen Carney comes on for England.
Japan 0 - 1 England
78 mins: Iwabuchi feeds the ball into the box past Houghton and Sagasawa meets it. Her first touch is a bad one though and Bardsley manages to grab onto the ball. Japan look hungry here and are getting into really dangerous positions. Sagasawa is giving the English centre-backs nightmares.
Japan 0 - 1 England
81 mins: White is fouled by Ichise and England get the ball in Japan's half for the first time in what seems like an age. It's short lived though as Japan attack again. Moore wins it back but England are under so much pressure here.
Japan 0 - 2 England
84 mins: GOAL! - White
Sameshima, out on the left, crosses the ball into the box. Sugasawa cuts in front of Houghton and gets to the ball but sends it wide of goal.
Nikita Parris comes on for Toni Duggan.
Out of nowhere Parris finds Carney who sends White into the box. Ellen White gets a foot to the ball and curls it around the goalkeeper to double England's lead and secure the points!
Japan 0 - 2 England
87 mins: Japan have completely dominated this half but it's England who have the goal. The Lionesses have been forced to defend and defend but Japan has lacked the clinical touch in front of goal. England, and Ellen White in particular, have had it and that's been the difference.
Japan 0 - 2 England
90 mins: Bardsley makes another great save as Sugasawa gets into the box again. She moves the wrong way but sticks out a left foot as the shot comes in and makes the save. Houghton clears it behind to avert the danger.
4 minutes added on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments