England will secure top spot in Group D of the Women’s World Cup if they avoid defeat against Japan in Nice on Wednesday.
Phil Neville’s side have already secured narrow victories over both Argentina and Scotland, propelling them to the summit of the standings and to the brink of a simpler draw on paper for the last 16.
Japan, the 2011 winners and 2015 runners-up, have proven the quality of a new generation. After drawing with Argentina and deservedly overcoming Scotland, they have already qualified for the knockout stages, regardless of the outcome of their final group game.