Summary

  • Bassett own goal as tries to clear cross

  • Defender distraught after full-time whistle

  • Rafferty & Duggan struck Japan crossbar

  • Japan will face USA in final, Monday 00:00 BST

Live Reporting

Tom Rostance

  1. 'Set-pieces could be key'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    England have to be clinical today. They need to be patient as well. Japan don't concede a lot of goals. England haven't kept a clean sheet for a while now. Set-pieces could be huge for England. They have been good on those during this tournament.

    Natasha Dowie, Liverpool Ladies striker

  2. Almost time

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    All set for kick off? We are just over 10 minutes away now...

  3. Get Involved on 81111

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Never watched women's football before watching the Mexico game and was so pleased in the quality it has brought me back for every game since. You're raising the profile of a section of the sport that's normally overlooked. Keep it going. Here's hoping I keep my record of only seeing England win.

    Lee, Hull

  4. 'Japan execute their passes well'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Japan play a 4-4-2 and are very strict with their formation. They're resolute and are very difficult to break down. They all execute their passes well, no sloppy passes, which is what we have been complaining about with England.

    Trevor Sinclair, Former England international

  5. 'We were so confident'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    BBC pundit Rachel Yankey scored in the 2011 Women's World Cup against Japan. How did England feel going into that match?

    That day we were so confident and everyone went out there and believed we could beat Japan.

    Rachel Yankey, Former England midfielder on BBC One

  6. Last time we met...

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    England beat Japan 2-0 in the group stages of the 2011 World Cup - and they remain the last team to beat Japan in a World Cup.

    A repeat performance tonight and England will be up against United States in the final on Sunday night. Let's not get too carried away though...

  7. 'Devastating to miss Rio'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    It’s a massive blow not to be involved in the Olympics in 2016. Having been there and having players who are able to tell the story of 2012, to then not go to Rio is devastating.

    Rachel Yankey, Former England midfielder on BBC One

  8. 'Kick the sport on'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    I was surprised after the Olympics that the crowds didn't turn up for the Women's Premier League. But hopefully this will help kick the sport on and create more awareness for women's football in England.

    Natasha Dowie, Liverpool Ladies striker

  9. Making sure it matters

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    You're not a self-respecting sporting event these days if you don't have a legacy.

    The team are thrilled with the support that they have had. Thanks to everybody who has got behind the team. We have had many celebrities and top players from the men’s game tweeting and getting behind The Lionesses. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to convert those people who are getting up in the middle of the night, to make sure that they come and watch England after the World Cup and the club game as well. One of the most important legacies is encouraging more and more girls to play football.

    Kelly Simmons, Football Association director of women’s football

  10. The manager knows best

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Eniola Aluko is on the bench but the manager has said he wants to use everybody and plans for every team they are playing against and he must feel other centre forwards will do a different job to the one Eni will.

    Rachel Yankey, Former England midfielder on BBC One

  11. Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    What will be going through the minds of captain Steph Houghton and her team-mates now? Twenty minutes from kick-off. The biggest night of their lives. Nerves? Of course...

  12. 'Duggan plays the England way'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Toni Duggan is a very unselfish player and a fantastic character, she is young, wants to get involved, doesn’t want to give the ball away. Defensively she’ll track and will never give up, she does it for the team and that’s the England style - they are working for each other and working hard.

    Rachel Yankey, Former England midfielder on BBC One

  13. Switching sides

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Supported Canada? Bit disappointed after their QF exit? Don't worry too much, just flip your banner around and write on the other side.

    Support for EnglandAP

  14. Hit on the break

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    A reminder then that opponents Japan are reigning World Champions and will not give up their title easily.

    England coach Mark Sampson said this week that he  would expect Japan to have 70% of possession so brace yourself for a disciplined, counter-attacking display from the Lionesses. 

  15. 'We need to be dynamic'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    When we have not got the ball we have to defend well, stay on our feet and be disciplined. It is going to be very difficult to break Japan down, we need to be dynamic, go with speed and if we can get the tempo right and make the right decisions then we will win.

    Trevor Sinclair, Former England international

  16. 'Usually it's just me Mum!'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Toni Duggan looks embarrassed when she's told that David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Prince William have all been wishing her well this week.

    'Usually it's just me Mum saying do your best'!

  17. 'Stretching the defence'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Toni Duggan will stretch the defence and she likes to shoot. She will bring a lot to the team. And you have Karen Carney to bring on later in the game.

    Natasha Dowie, Liverpool Ladies striker

  18. Get involved #golionesses

    Japan v England (00:00 Bs

    How are you going to watch the game?

    Paul Shaddock:  Plan of action is a quick power nap then up to watch the England Lionesses stick it to Japan in the Fifa Women's World Cup.

    brent smith:  Staying up. Good vibe about tonight's game as late as it is I can't go to bed and miss the opportunity of witnessing history.

    Jane Zacharzewski:  Enjoying the match build up but worried I won't make it to the end of the match. It's going to be a late one.

    Get involved by tweeting using the hashtag #golionesses or leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

  19. Just like watching Barca

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes gives her thoughts on tonight's semi-final.

  20. 'People have been surprised at the quality'

    Japan v England (00:00 BST)

    The reaction I've noticed is that people have been surprised at the quality. People have been impressed with the humbleness of the players. They want to play for their country and they have worked their socks off.

    Trevor Sinclair, Former England international

    You can watch live coverage of the match by pressing the play button at the top of this page (UK only).