England’s Lioness Crashes Out Of The Women World Cup After Dramatic Stoppage Time Own Goal

Laura Bassett hands Japan victory in stoppage time of the Women’s World Cup semi-final, ending England’s historic run at the semi final stage

England’s Women’s World Cup dream was ended in heartbreaking fashion as a stoppage time own goal by the Notts County central defender Laura Bassett handed Japan victory.

Attempting to cut out a pass into the penalty area, Bassett instead sent the ball past the goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and in off the crossbar.

Bassett has been one of her team’s most reliable performers at the this World Cup but will find it hard to forget the moment that meant England would not be making history by reaching the final for the first time.

Mark Sampson’s team had controlled the second half after the teams were level at the interval, Aya Miyama having put Japan ahead with a 33rd minute penalty but England equalising, also from a penalty, by the Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams.