Analysis: Japan

Japan are renowned for building play, controlling possession in their own half and then working through the thirds, using their technique and movement in tight areas to create passing options.

They controlled play effectively throughout the first half against England, but struggled for chances because of their inability to penetrate the Lionesses’ back four. On many occasions they played through the first and second lines of the England press, but then had neither the speed nor strength required in the final third. Their best chances came from transitions, as they pressed effectively and high into the opposition half and broke with numbers.

Japan’s starting 4-4-2 formation often became a 2-4-4 when in possession, as full-backs Risa Shimizu and Aya Sameshima pushed into midfield to join attacks. They also focused on using the space around England’s defensive midfielder Keira Walsh during build-up play – something they did effectively once they broke the first line of the block. England’s defence often covered spaces well, however, limiting the effect of the Japanese front line.

Out of possession, they dropped into a very disciplined and patient 4-4-2, using compact units and a central overload to restrict space in midfield. They switched between a high pressing line and a lower pressing line depending on the demands of the situation. From England’s goal-kicks, they were higher up the pitch, and on defensive transitions they chose the higher press. Then, if unable to pressure the player in possession, they quickly chose the deeper of the two pressing lines – only England central defenders Steph Houghton and Millie Bright were allowed time on the ball.

Japan’s discipline negated England’s threat in wide areas; they passed opponents on as those wide players drove inside and the full-backs overlapped. They also used central midfielders to cover the channels when they needed to follow full-backs who supported the wide players. England’s preference to build through Walsh was targeted by either pressing in specific areas, or through an individual – either a central midfielder or the striker on her far shoulder.