The defending champions Japan will be squaring off against 6th-seeded England in an all-important semi-final clash on Thursday July 2 at the Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Canada for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 at the Commonwealth Stadium.
The world's fourth-ranked Japan is favorite to beat England in their Thursday's match. Japan's strong defense is seen to dominate the English side, sports insiders said. The Japanese side is the only team in the tournament that has won all of their five matches in the 2015 World Cup, said Sports Arena.
However, the England team is also expected to pull some surprise and hold off the Japanese and prevent them from controlling the ball.
The winner on Thursday's game will be facing USA in the final after defeating two-time winners Germany at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Germany striker Celia Sasic missed a penalty on 58 minutes, but USA captain Carli Lloyd kept her head to score from the spot 10 minutes later, reported BBC.
Japan is expected to use the 4-2-2-2 formation in its match against England. It's line up for the match-up should include, Kaihori; Kawamura, Ariyoshi, Sameshima, Kitahara; Sawa, Tanaka; Miyama, Kawasumi; and Ohno, Ōgimi.
The England team will use the 4-3-1-2 formation with the following lineup, Bardsley; Houghton, Rafferty, Bronze, Bassett; Moore, Scott, Williams; Chapman; and Carney, Taylor.
Prince William Gives England Team a Boost
As expected, Prince William is giving his confidence to England as the team takes on Japan. This is the first time since 1990 that an England national team has reached a FIFA World Cup semis.
"This team is making history and I can't wait to see them in action against Japan," Prince William, who is also president of England's Football Association was quoted as saying by Inquistr.
He went on to say, "I know a lot of people have been following the team's progress, and I'm sure many more will now seize the chance to support this great moment for English football. The Lionesses are doing their country proud."
England Manager Mark Sampson said his team is on a "mission" to win the World Cup. "We're feeling a huge wave of support sent from back home which has given the players that extra motivation, that extra sense of pride and passion and it is making them wake up with an extra spring in their step," said Sampson. "We are going to keep embracing that support. We really hope that people can stay with us, stay connected with this team, get behind us again and let's get ourselves through to a final."
The semi-finals match between England and Japan will be live streamed on the BBC Sport website for audiences in the United Kingdom, while viewers in the United States can watch the action by paying for a subscription to Fox Soccer 2GO.
You can also watch the England vs. Japan FIFA Women's World Cup Semifinal match live online from Edmonton by going to Fox Sports Go. The Spanish-language live online stream will be carried by NBC Sports Live Extra.To watch on mobile devices, download the Fox Sports Go app, or the NBC Sports Live Extra app for Spanish.
