Two goals from Ellen White were enough as England won Group D with a 100% record following an impressive 2-0 win over Japan.
Japan produced the first chance of the game in the 8th minute after 35-yard free-kick from Kumi Yokoyama was tipped over superbly by Karen Bardsley.
England would take the lead inside the opening 15 minutes after Ellen White delicately lifted the ball over the Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita after being played through by Georgia Stanway.
The lead was almost doubled less than three minutes later after a long ranged drive from Jill Scott was parried away for a corner. The resulting set play lead to another save, this time from a long-range effort from Stanway.
After a spell of pressure from Japan, it was England that once again came close to doubling their lead just after the half-hour mark when Rachel Daly’s attempt was once again saved well by Yamashita.
Toni Duggan almost scored on her return to the England starting line-up early in the second half with a well-timed volley, but once again Yamashita in the Japan goal produced a high-calibre stop.
Japan had plenty of possession and chances as they chased an equaliser but England finally got the second goal that sealed the victory thanks to White who curled the ball past Yamashita from outside the box with six minutes remaining.
England will now play the third-placed team from Group B, E or F this Sunday in Valenciennes while Japan will play the winners of Group E next Tuesday in Rennes.
Here are the player ratings from tonight’s game:
Karen Bardsley - 7
Made a number of key saves to preserve England’s advantage throughout the game. She made a superb save early on from a free-kick to tip it onto the bar.
Lucy Bronze - 6
Linked up well with Rachel Daly in the second half but was quiet for the majority of the game. Did a job in the defence and her passing was sound.
Steph Houghton (C) - 7
Another calm and composed performance from the England captain, in particular a last-ditch tackle to prevent a Japan attack in the second half was a highlight.
Millie Bright - 7
Dealt with crosses really well and rarely allowed the Japanese attackers to run past her. Her partnership with Houghton laid the foundations for England’s success.
Demi Stokes - 5
Looked decent defensively but did struggle a number of times when in possession.
Jill Scott - 6
Made a number of commanding runs into the final third and created a few decent chances.
Keira Walsh - 5
Gave away a few fouls in the first half and was caught in possession often in the midfield battles.
Georgia Stanway - 7
Looked like a threat whenever she had the ball, creating chances as well as playing an inch-perfect pass for Ellen White to score the opening goal.
Rachel Daly - 8
Created some chances and looked like a real handful throughout down the right hand side with her pace, trickery and link-up play with Lucy Bronze. Unfortunate not to score late in the first half.
Toni Duggan - 6
Started the game well, linking up with the midfield but faded out of the game the longer it went until she was substituted late on.
Ellen White - 7
Took both of her chances to ensure that England won Group D with a 100% record.
Jade Moore - 6
Was calm and composed in the midfield after replacing Kiera Walsh in the second half.
Karen Carney - 6
Set up White for her second goal after coming on as a substitute.
Nikita Parris - 5
Didn’t really make much of an impact after coming on late in the second half.