England's women ensured qualification for the quarter-finals of the World Cup after beating Japan 2-0 in their final group game. Hope Powell's side only needed a draw and could have progressed with a defeat, but finished the group stage with a victory to confirm their place in the last eight. The Three Lions had to hold off pressure from their opponents before taking the lead through Ellen White's superb lob. A second goal was added in the second half when sub Rachel Yankey clipped in to secure the win. England now face France in Leverkusen on Saturday. Manager Hope Powell said: "We were very, very good today. "You've got to respect Japan and the way they play, but we had a gameplan and we implemented it. "The ambition was to get out of the group and top the group and we've done that. We're in the quarters and we'll have to do our best." Japan, winners in their opening two games against New Zealand and Mexico, impressed early on with some neat movement. But England took control after 15 minutes when White sent an outstanding lob over Ayumi Kaihori in Japan's goal to grab the opening goal. Yankey, on as a half-time sub, added a second when she took a touch before finishing Rachel Unitt's left-wing ball.
Good result, was disappointed that I missed the game but I've seen highlights and both finishes were good, the first one was very good!
Great result and was impressed by White and Asante, but like the mens team the ball is given away too much and defensively we still looked shakey. Well taken goal by Yankey, however she needs to get stuck in more defensively as some of her tackles were half hearted. BBC please make viewing screen bigger and get rid of female co-commentator; making comments like 'shes got nice hair' is not exactly sending out the message that womens football is now a serious sport!
