England Women captain Steph Houghton has admitted that her side will have to defy the odds once more if they are to beat Japan in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.

The Lionesses eliminated hosts Canada from the tournament on Sunday with a 2-1 victory in the quarter-final on Sunday to set up a last-four clash with the reigning champions on Wednesday.

Houghton says that England will have to be at their best in order to reach the final.

"We know it's going to be a massive game on Wednesday. We've got to respect them. They are world champions for a reason," the 27-year-old told the FA's official website.

"Now it's all about recovering and focusing on trying our best to get into a final."

England Women have reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time.