England's Ellen White, front, celebrates after scoring her side's second goal during the Women's World Cup Group D soccer match between Japan and England at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

England beats Japan 2-0 to clinch top spot in Group D

June 19, 2019 - 5:05 pm

The Associated Press

NICE, France (AP) — England remained undefeated at the Women's World Cup and clinched the top spot in its group with a 2-0 victory over Japan on Wednesday.

Ellen White scored both goals against Japan and has three so far at the tournament. The Birmingham City forward broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when she chipped the ball past Japan goalkeeper Saki Kumagai.

White's second score came in the 84th minute following a through-ball by Karen Carney.

It was the first time since 1982 that an England team, men or women, won all three group stage games. The Lionesses advanced to the knockout stage to face a third-place team in Valenciennes on Sunday.

Japan's first defeat of the tournament dropped it to second in Group D, with a match against the winner of Group E on Tuesday in Rennes.

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