England Women v Japan Women 2011 FIFA World Cup betting will get underway on July 5th, with nothing settled in the group. There is all to play for in group B, where Japan has a two point lead at the top over England. England are not assured of going through, but they could squeeze through even if they lose, depending on the Mexico result against New Zealand. England fell behind to the brave New Zealand women in their second group match, and it took Hope Powell’s side a long time to get back into things. England were the better of the two sides, but to their credit, the New Zealand women, who had never won a World Cup match, tried to play open football. A little more conviction from England would have produce a far more comfortable ride, and while sustained pressure came from England Women, it was just never maintained for long enough periods. When the Kiwis took a surprise lead, scrambling home the ball, England needed a big response. New Zealand were quicker to attack, while England were happy enough to stroke the ball around midfield, and missed out on big opportunities to expose the flanks of the Kiwis. One thing the England women side do have is resilience. They showed it at the European Championships, and again here in their first two matches. They have not played well so far, and look as if they need to relax and believe in themselves a little more, not be afraid of failure. They have the talent to go far, with belief.
But after Jill Scott had equalised for England Women in the 63rd minute with a great header, the arrival of Jess Clarke, who has the speed and skill to tear up defences, made the difference. Clarke netted the winner for England from the edge of the six yard box after a fumble by the Kiwi keeper. Although it was a lucky escape for England, it looked as if it would be a whole lot worse at points in the match. So it is on to their final group match, where they need a point against the Japan Women to secure a place in the knockouts. If they can go on and beat Japan Women, then England Women would top the group, with Japan in second place. If England lose, then they will have to hope that Mexico don’t win by a big enough margin against New Zealand to overturn the England’s goal difference. So the only thing guaranteed at the moment is Japan’s place in the quarter finals. What is interesting about this scenario really, is that the winner of the group was likely to miss playing Germany in the Quarter Finals, but with the Germans sitting in second place behind France ahead of their Group A clash, it could work out that England could finish second and still miss out on playing Germany. Whoever they meet, England really need to start playing better, to play with more confidence in their own abilities. England do have more options out wide to utilise, so either Karen Carney or the successful Jess Clarke could get a starting place over the struggling Eniola Aluka. Otherwise the personnel should pretty much stay the same.
Looking at England Women v Japan Women 2011 FIFA World Cup betting, the Asians look a strong bet to get enough out of this match to top the group. They started a little slowly against New Zealand, although their 2-1 win was just enough, but cut lose in thumping Mexico 4-0. Japan started as group favourites and they look as if they are living up to the billing at the moment. Japan are fourth in the Women’s World Rankings, while England are down in 10th. Japan are a very lively, very efficient side which work very hard for each other. They have the pace to trouble other sides and that is what has made them such a strong force here. They will certainly give England a run for their money, if England Women do not raise their own tempo and control on the game. The two nations have only met once before, and that ended in a 2-2 draw in the first stage of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, out in Shanghai. That would be enough for England to secure their place in the quarter finals. We’re probably not going to see too much change from England, they are a little one dimensional, but they could be so much more effective if they get the ball on the outside of the Japanese defence. England also do pose a big threat from set pieces with their height, Jill Scott in particular. It is time now for England Women to really prove themselves, and as long as they avoid defeat, they’ll be in the knockout stage.
England Women v Japan Women 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds
Japan Women to win: 5/4 at Stan James
Draw: 2/1 at Totesport
England Women to win: 11/5 at SkyBet
England Women v Japan Women Betting Tip
Japan really showed their hand in beating Canada. England are pretty good defensively and need to take a firm grip in midfield. Can see this playing out as a draw, as both sides would be happy. An England +0.25 Asian Handicap for 4/5 at Bet365 looks a safe bet.
