Powell’s side outclass Japan to book quarter-final with France

Ellen White scored with a superb lob from outside the penalty area as England beat a below-par Japan 2-0 in the Women's World Cup to finish top of Group B and set up a quarter-final against France on Saturday.

Japan, who had impressed in their first two games, were outclassed by England, who scored a second through substitute Rachel Yankey midway through the second half to secure the points.

"We were very, very good today," said the England manager, Hope Powell. "We haven't conceded, we have scored goals and won the group – it can only improve confidence."