Manchester City summer signing Ellen White’s double proved decisive as England topped Group D with a 2-0 win over Japan.
City summer signing Ellen White opened England’s account with a goal in the 14th minute. The Aylesbury-born striker comfortably dinked the ball over Ayaka Yamashita having been played in by Georgia Stanway. White then sealed the three points and top spot for England as she doubled the lead six minutes from time.
Neville made eight changes to his side which saw Millie Bright return from injury to the starting XI. Manchester City defender Demi Stokes and Toni Duggan, the Barcelona forward, made their first appearance a piece in the Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses sat top of Group D, just two points ahead of Japan having won both of their previous games against Scotland and Argentina.
Karen Bardsley 8
The Manchester City goalkeeper made a return to Neville’s starting eleven having played a crucial role in England’s 2-1 victory over Scotland. The Citizens’ goalkeeper made an acrobatic save early on and tipped the ball over off the crossbar to keep the Lionesses level.
Bardsley made another crucial save in the dying minutes to retain a clean sheet for Neville’s side.
Lucy Bronze 7
Once Manchester City but now Champions League winner with Lyon, Bronze, retained her place in the starting eleven. Bronze was solid defensively throughout and chipped in with a number of crosses into the box.
Steph Houghton 7
Captain for club and country. Manchester City defender Houghton was comfortable and helped England see out a clean sheet going into the break.
The City defender continued to defend well and flew into a miraculous slide tackle which kept the Lionesses in front.
Millie Bright 7
The 25-year-old made a few wayward passes to begin with however the Chelsea defender soon settled into the game.
Demi Stokes 6
Sokes was resolute in defending throughout the game and resolved any advances on the left flank with ease.
Jill Scott 6
England’s number eight linked up well down the right with Bronze and Daly as they looked to carve a way through Japan’s defence.
Keira Walsh 5
Walsh started the game with early nerves. She was often reckless in possession which led to Japan’s opening chance of the shot.
Toni Duggan 5
The Barcelona winger struggled to have any significant impact in the first half. Although out of her preferred position.
A looping cross to the back post found the 27-year-old who then struck the ball on the volley that forced a save.
Georgia Stanway 8
The City youngster has struggled for minutes so far at the World Cup but was granted her first start.
England’s number 19 was the provider of White’s and England’s first goal of the game. Acceleration, strength and precision. The Citizen beat her marker and slotted in new club team mate, White, to put the Lionesses in front.
Rachel Daly 7
The Houston Dash winger showcased a series of lavish touches to beat her marker which posed an imminent threat to Japan. Daly was a threat in behind with her pace. The 27-year-old ran beyond her marker and forced a save from Japan’s number 18.
Ellen White 9
Citizens’ exciting new signing also returned to the starting eleven having scored against Scotland but rested during the Argentina game. White put England in front inside 15 minutes. The 30-year-old linked up with Stanway as she dinked the ball neatly over Yamashita.
With under ten minutes to go White scored her second of the game. The newly signed CIty striker found space inside the Japanese box and beat Yamashita at the near post.
