England face a favourable draw in the Women’s World Cup last 16 after they beat 2011 winners Japan to finish top of Group D thanks to two Ellen White goals.
Lionesses boss Phil Neville seemingly took a gamble by making eight changes to the side that beat Argentina in the second group game.
But in White, who returned to the side, they have a finisher of real class as she scored her 30th and 31st England goals either side of the break from clever through balls.
England still stuttered playing out from the back against the 2011 World Cup winners, who also knocked out the Lionesses in the semi-finals four years ago.
Kumi Yokoyama’s early 35-yard free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Karen Bardsley, and Japan took control of midfield in the second half and peppered England’s goal as Neville’s side suffered another dip.
But they could not find the finishing touch and have to be satisfied with second in the group, which means they will now face the winners of Group E, which includes the Netherlands and Canada.
England will face a seemingly easier task – in the next round at least – as they travel to Valenciennes on Sunday to play a best third-place team which could be one of China, New Zealand, Cameroon, Chile or Thailand.
More to follow.
