Last time out: Eni Aluko fires as England hold Japan 1-1

Tuesday 30 Jun 2015
Eni Aluko put England in front against Japan when the sides met in 2013

England face Japan in the semi-final of the World Cup in Edmonton on Thursday morning, as Mark Sampson's side target a place in the Final on Sunday.

The Lionesses' progress in Canada has captured the hearts of the nation and the build-up to this game has since taken centre-stage this week.

England celebrate Eniola Aluko

England celebrate Eni Aluko's goal against Japan in 2013

And ahead of the game, take a look back at the last meeting between the two nations when they met in a friendly game at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton during June 2013.

It was a warm-up game for the European Championship Finals for Hope Powell's side, with the current world champions providing a stern test and holding the Lionesses to a 1-1 draw.

Eni Aluko had put England in front during the first half, but that goal was cancelled out when Nahomi Kawasumi equalised after the break.

England could have won it in the end though, when debutant Lucy Bronze headed home following her introduction from the bench only to see her effort ruled out for a foul in the area.

Watch our highlights from the game on FATV in the media player below.

 



By FA Staff