osakabenEngland introduce Rachel Yankey for Jess Clarke at half-time, and Eniola Aluko for Kelly Smith after 62 minutes. The three attacking midfielders come slightly narrower, and four minutes later England are 2-0 in front - Ellen White brings the ball out to the left, allowing Rachel Unitt to cross for Yankey to score.

Japan's most promising introduction is Karina Maruyama, who plays first up front, then on the left of midfield, and then on the right following additional changes. She finds plenty of space for herself with her runs and dribbles but lacks support - Nadeshiko are again forced to cross from the right wing, and England 'keeper Karen Bardsley deals comfortably with everything thrown at her. Inexplicably, Norio Sasaki never abandons the clearly failing 4-4-2 formation.

08.07.2011