Women’s World Cup 2019: Phil Neville delighted with England’s position ahead of last 16 despite being ‘exposed’ by Japan

Japan 0-2 England: Ellen White scored a double to generate momentum heading into the last 16

Phil Neville insisted that England are more concerned about results than performances at this Women’s World Cup, claiming they are ‘just where they want to be’ after topping Group D on Wednesday night.

Two Ellen White goals either side of half time ensured that the Lionesses would qualify as group winners ahead of Japan, who nevertheless troubled England for long spells at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.

Yuika Sugasawa twice came close to equalising for Japan in the second half and spurned a third chance when put through one-on-one in stoppage time, after White had already doubled England’s lead.

Despite three wins from three with only one goal conceded, there remains clear room for improvement, but the England head coach was more concerned with the result than the all-round display.

“I think when we get to last-16 it’s about winning,” he said. “We place a big emphasis on winning. We do like to play a certain style and second half, because we were open and so fatigued we were exposed a little.

“The style is non-negotiable. However far we go, we have to play a certain style. We played well for 90 minutes against Argentina, played well for 78 minutes against Scotland. Today there were glimpses but with changes we didn’t get control.

“The start of the second half I thought we looked powerful but didn’t get the second goal and sat off, camped in. But I thought that was a good thing. We’ve got another clean sheet, won another game.

Phil Neville chats with Ellen White (REUTERS)

“We’re just where we want to be,” Neville added. “Last 16, ready to attack the business end of the tournament.”

England will now play one of the best ranked third-placed teams – either China, New Zealand, Cameroon, Chile or Thailand – in Valenciennes on Sunday. If they reach the last eight, one of Norway or Australia await.