By Chris Wright
Though the game itself was admittedly a little on the dull side, a brace of smartly-taken lobs from Ellen White and substitute Rachel Yankey were enough to see England Women see off Japan in Augsburg yesterday evening, with the victory securing top-spot in Group B for Hope Powell’s side and thus landing them a quarter-final tie against France in Leverkusen on Saturday.
Photos…
The Japanese squad unveil a banner before the game, thanking the world for their support during the aftermath of the recent earthquake/tsunami disaster
Spot the England fan
Japan line-up behind their flag before kick-off
Jess Clarke and Yukari Kinga chase down a loose ball
Ellen White’s first-time lob from the edge of the area sails over the Japanese ‘keeper Ayumi Kaihori
Ellen White runs to celebrate her first World Cup goal with the England bench
Shinobu Ohno steers the ball away from England midfielder Anita Asante
Jill Scott and Karen Carney celebrate with Rachel Yankey after the latter scored England’s second of the afternoon with a cool, angled lob
Sophie Bradley, Casey Stoney and Karen Bardsley celebrate England’s victory after the final whistle
Photos: PA