Women’s World Cup New

After a slow start to their World Cup campaign, England’s women marched into the quarter-finals after an impressed performance against a much-fancied Japan side.

The Kiwis came into the game having never won a Women’s World Cup fixture, but deservedly went ahead as a sluggish England turned in a disappointing first half showing.

Karen Carney’s pinpoint through ball was matched in quality by the finishing of Ellen White, who lifted the ball perfectly over the stranded Japanese keeper. Yankey, having started the game on the bench, clinched the match not long after replacing Clarke. The veteran midfielder latched on to Rachel Unitt’s cross before producing a calm finish that ensured that England topped their group.

So what to make of Powell’s side after the opening test was successfully negogiated?

Faye White, as with Williams, came into the tournament having suffered a long-term injury playing WSL football. One slight worry for England will be the form of Kelly Smith. In reaching the quarter-finals England have already matched their best World Cup performance.

England coach Hope Powell believes the dramatic 2-1 win against New Zealand will lift the pressure on her players against Group B leaders Japan.

A draw or even a narrow defeat in Augsburg on Tuesday will be enough for England to reach the World Cup quarter-finals as group runners-up.

A victory at the Augsburg Stadium would see England overtake Japan, described as the "Barcelona of women's football", as group leaders.

And Powell is expecting a difficult match against Norio Sasaki's team, fourth in Fifa's world rankings, who are already guaranteed a place in the last eight after beating New Zealand 2-1 before demolishing Mexico 4-0.

England fought back from a goal down to beat New Zealand last Friday, Jill Scott equalising before substitute Jess Clarke grabbed the winner nine minutes from time.

And Powell attributed the early tournament nerves to the expectation following their excellent pre-competition form.

"We've never really experienced that before - we've never been a team that everybody expects to win.

"I know all the girls' strengths and their weaknesses, and it's about trying to win football matches and if those changes work it's great.