England insists it will not be seeking revenge for its heartbreaking defeat to Japan at the last Women’s World Cup when the teams meet at this year’s tournament, but it believes Japanese players will fear it more this time.
Japan knocked England out in the semifinals four years ago, and the sides will clash in a fourth consecutive World Cup in their final Group D game on June 19 in Nice, France.
"Everybody thinks it's a bit of a crunch game, and it's about revenge, but we respect Japan and they're a very good footballing side," said England captain Steph Houghton at her team's pre-World Cup media day at St. George's Park in Burton upon Trent.