Our Group Stage Opponents: Japan

Japan are the most decorated side in England’s group: fairytale winners in 2011, runners-up in 2015, and the team that knocked England out in heart-breaking fashion at the semi-final stage in Canada. The fanzine describes them as nimble, technically strong and full of talent, and ranked seventh in the world with seven previous World Cup appearances behind them. There is encouragement, though: at the SheBelieves Cup in March 2019 England beat an exceptional if somewhat understrength Japan 3-0. Mana Iwabuchi is the player to watch – part of the 2011 winning squad, back for a third World Cup, a full international at fifteen, and now at INAC Kobe Leonessa after four years at Bayern Munich, with 61 international goals. A footnote recalls England topping Group B in 2011, Rachel Yankey and Ellen White scoring in a 2-0 win over the eventual champions.