The England women's team take on Japan on Wednesday evening, looking to become the first England senior football team to make a World Cup final since 1966.

England have already done their nation proud in the Women's World Cup, can they go further?

Mark Sampson's team made history for a second time in a week on saturday as they flew out the traps to eventually beat hosts Canada 2-1 in Vancouver, thanks to goals from Jodie Taylor and for the second time in as many games, right-back Lucy Bronze.

In the space of just 180 minutes, England have gone from never winning a knockout game at a World Cup and never getting beyond the quarter finals at the tournament, to being only the third senior side to make it to this stage following on from the '66 winners and Bobby Robson's 1990 team.

The biggest mystery for England heading into their toughest challenge yet is who former Bristol Academy coach Sampson will pick to start against the World Champions, considering he's tinkered with the team every game. Despite a lot of critics, this strategy has worked, due to the fact other manager's find it hard to prepare a game against England.

Can Japan win two consecutive World Cups?

Meanwhile defending champions Japan are used to this type of hype and preperation before a game, due to their exploits in Germany four years ago. Norio Sasaki's team booked their place in another semi-final by edging past Australia 1-0 courtesy of a late Mana Iwabuchi strike in Edmonton, where this semi-final is being held.

The 2014 Asian games runners up have gone about their business quietly in this World Cup, with them winning all five games and having only let in two goals all tournament. However, at times, they have not been overly convincing, considering they have won every match by a single goal - with no player scoring more than once.

Japan really do have threats all over the pitch, and can turn on the style at any time with Yuki Ogimi, striker at arguably Europe's best club side Wolfsburg. Finishing off chances throughout her 115 cap career, with 52 goals. Record appearence holder and goalscorer Homare Sawa ties things together in the midfield with over over 80 goals in 200 appearences for her country.

Key Stats

England have never lost to Japan in three meetings of the women's game, winning one and drawing two.

Japan have now gone eight games without losing at a World Cup - the last time they did it was against England in the final group game of the 2011 tournament.

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About the author
Jamie Joslyn
20 year old sports journalism at Sunderland University, huge Sunderland fan