Women’s World Cup semi-final: England to edge past champions Japan

Edmonton is the stage on which England will jostle with holders Japan in the second semi-final of the 2015 Women’s World Cup, with both teams vying for a final appearance opposite USA, while a third place play-off against Germany awaits whoever is a defeated giant from this duel.

Having delighted and enthralled audiences at home with their historic passage to the semis, as the first English footballing team to reach that stage of a tournament in a decade and a half, the Lionesses (3/1 to win in 90 mins with Coral) want to go all the way.

“We have huge belief this team will find a way to get themselves through to the final. There’s huge determination. England will be the last team to leave Canada,” coach Mark Sampson told media.

“We’re two wins away from being world champions and if you’d said that to us 18 months ago, I’m not sure anyone bar myself and some of the staff would have believed it,” added the Welshman.

The Lionesses certainly have reason to be bold, with accomplished 2-1 victories over Norway and hosts Canada in the knock-out rounds so far meaning they are 16/1 to sink the Nadeshiko Japan by the same scoreline. With such momentum behind them, England are cracking value in Coral’s match special at 10/1 to win over 90 mins with both sides to score (max stake £20).

Adaptable Manchester City star Lucy Bronze has proven somewhat of a surprise match-winner, notching two in her last two, with both strikes proving vital, so back the 23-year-old at 14/1 to net last again.