Women's U20 World Cup
England 0-2 Japan
THE ADVENTURE is over for Lauren Hemp, with the Bristol City forward unable to guide England u20s in the final of the World Cup.
The Young Lionesses were beaten 2-0 by a superior Japan side in the semis.
Mo Marley’s team had impressed during the tournament with attacking displays, but were second best in Vannes, France.
The teams met as the two highest scorers in the competition – each having dished out a six-goal thrashing in the group stages.
England were almost off the mark in the second minute when Chloe Kelly spun her marker and hit a smart low effort , but Hannah Stambaugh was equal to it.
Riko Ueki’s low finish and Jun Endo’s header on the follow-up, after a shot had hit the bar, put Japan in control.
England rarely threatened in the second-half although joint-leading scorer Georgia Stanway fired a late shot wide.
Marley's side were largely kept at arm’s length by Japan whose technical class probably merited a more emphatic scoreline in truth.
England will face France in the third-place play-off on Friday.
And while disappointed not to reach the final, the u20 side should be proud of their achievements.
Hemp, in particular, has lit up the tournament and continued where she left off with former side Bristol City last season.
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