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Women's World Cup: England v Japan preview

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Mark Sampson: England will be dangerous against Japan

England Women are just one game away from a World Cup final as Japan lie in wait in Thursday morning’s semi-final.

Mark Sampson’s Lionesses have already gripped the nation and created history by making the last four, but now face their sternest test to date against the current world champions. 

Sampson's squad are only the third England team to reach a World Cup semi-final, after the 1990 men's side and the 1966 World Cup winners.

The game, which kicks off at 00.30 UK time, is arguably the biggest match in England Women's football history but they go into the tie on a high following four wins in their first five matches.

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Rachel Yankey, Simon Arnold and Nick Cushing preview England's semi-final

After a disappointing opening defeat by France in Moncton, England went on to beat Mexico 2-1 before goals from Karen Carney and Fara Williams ensured victory over Colombia in their final group game.

England progressed as runners-up, setting up a tie against Norway in the last 16, which they came through 2-1 before seeing off hosts Canada by the same scoreline in Vancouver to set up this clash.

“We are still in there fighting," Sampson told Sky Sports News HQ.

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Mark Sampson: England will be dangerous against Japan

"There are a lot of teams who have gone home, there are only four left – three of the best teams in the world and England.

“So we are in a place where we’ve only got to win two matches to make history and create a real special moment in England’s football history, and a special moment for this team."

England and Japan have met three times before and despite going into the game as underdogs, Sampson’s ladies have the upper hand as they are unbeaten, drawing two and winning once.

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Faye White hopes England can beat a higher ranked team in a knockout tie for the first time in their history

However, Japan are the only team in the competition to have won all of their games and have conceded just two goals along the way.

But they left it late to seal their place in the last four, with Mana Iwabuchi coming off the bench to scramble home an 87th minute winner against Australia in the quarter-finals.

Should England beat Japan, they will face America in the final in Vancouver on Monday after they beat Germany 2-0.

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