The Young Lionesses progressed to the quarter finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, placing in second in arguably the toughest group, with a 2-1 comeback defeat over Brazil REPORTS KATIE MISHNER (from Amman).
Their next test will not be any easier as they take on Japan – current holders of the title and arguably the standout side in the competition, so far.
It’s not the first time that England have faced Japan in the U-17 WWC, in 2008 the sides met in a quarter-final that couldn’t be decided in open play, and on penalities it was England who came out on top.
Despite facing arguably the toughest test in the quarters, Head Coach John Griffiths thinks that the Young Lionesses are up to the challenge: “It’s the first time we’ve been in the World Cup so we’ve made sure that the players are ready to compete against the best nations.”
England have done well to adapt to three very differing styles of play in Group C. “We’ve had a very tough group, we’ve faced the African [Nigeria] and Asian [Korea DPR] champions, and Brazil were an unbelieveably tough test,” but when asked about how they plan to deal with a force like Japan, he added, “for us we continue working hard at what we do.”
The Young Lionesses bounced back from Brazil’s 1-0 lead, equalising in time added on in the first half but Griffiths was confident that his team always had the tools available.
“Even if we were down 1-0 at half time, we had a plan to change at 60, 70 or 80 minutes if we needed to. The girls know what they’re doing, they’re so well prepared tactically and physically.”
John Griffiths also stressed the importance of this tournament for the development of the squad, saying that, “the most important thing is that the players keep learning, [so far] we’ve played three different countries from different continents.
“Hopefully, when they move forward in their careers into senior football the girls will be more prepared as a result of the experience and we won’t compromise on how we’re trying to play the game in England, to make sure that the players get as much experience as possible.”
Japan are the only team in Jordan to have earned all nine points from their group games, and within those games they have emerged the top goal scorers, scoring 12 goals from open play and one from a set-piece. Head coach Naomi Kusunose has also used a rotation tactic, all 21 players in the squad have had a taste of the World Cup action but the side has not faltered in strength as a result.
“We played Japan back in February (drawing 1-1 at the 2016 U-17 Women’s NTC Invitational), so we already know the kind of thing we can expect and how to best go about playing them. They’re a very technical team, they never stop moving, so we’ve got to make sure we’re ready for that. We definitely won’t underestimate them – we know they’re a quality team – but the main focus for us will be on our gameplan.” England forward Georgia Stanway told FIFA.com
Unfortunately, England will have to play on Thursday without Man City’s Georgia Stanway, who picked up her second yellow card in the final group game against Brazil. The forward has scored three of England’s five goals, including the two penalties that sent her team through to the knock-out stage.
However, the Lioness Cubs have plenty of options going forward in Birmingham’s Ellie Brazil, Liverpool’s Niamh Charles and Chelsea’s Alessia Russo who have all been involved in the undefeated campaign so far. They also have a secret weapon in Blackburn Rover’s striker Ella Toone. The pacey and clever attacking force is complimented by captain Lotte Wubben-Moy’s solid backline and the safe hands of Ellie Roebuck who has saved 79% of shots fired at her.
The strength of unity between the Young Lionesses could challenge stand-out Japan, but make no mistake, it will be a far from easy battle.
Thursday 13th October
U17 WWC Quarter Finals
Korea DPR v Ghana, Al Hassan International Stadium, Irbid, 2pm (UK time)
Japan v England, Al Hassan International Stadium, Irbid, 5pm (UK time)
