England will meet old foes Spain in the FIFA W-U17 World Cup semi-finals in Dominican Republic after a triumphant 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory against Japan.

Natalie Henderson’s side were competitive throughout this contest in Santo Domingo, although twice had to come from behind to ultimately draw 2-2 and send the game to spot-kicks. Zara Shaw struck the decisive penalty, but it was substitute goalkeeper Rebekah Dowsett who would take all the plaudits by saving twice in the shoot-out. 

During a lively encounter, Erica Parkinson cancelled out a Japanese opener midway through the first half. The Young Lionesses fell behind again almost immediately only for Shaw to head in a deserved second-half equaliser. It all set up the drama of spot-kicks and it was the replacement keeper who would go on to have the final say. 

In truth neither side were able to truly impose themselves on the contest in the opening 20 minutes – although Jane Oboavwoduo did drag an effort just wide on the quarter-hour. It was Japan who would eventually take the initiative. Full-back Yuna Aoki opening the scoring with a surging run on the right-hand side before firing beyond Hope McSheffrey. 

England did not let their heads drop and were level within four minutes. Parkinson swept home from a central position after outstanding work from Oboavwoduo, who had worked her way into the penalty area before finding the perfect assist. The lead was not to last very long with McSheffrey unable to deal with a cross into the box, allowing Hina Hirakawa to head in unopposed.

Despite that setback, England kept pushing and after Vera Jones flashed an effort wide, Henderson used a VAR appeal to suggest Nelly Las had been fouled in the box, only for the referee to spot a handball in the build-up. Aoki then found herself in an almost-identical position to her goal, but this time McSheffrey’s imposing presence saw her shoot wide.

Omotara Junaid, suspended for the final group game, was introduced at half-time, and England came out with purpose - the impressive captain Laila Harbert firing in an effort that was well saved. McSheffrey then made a great save on 52 minutes to keep the Young Lionesses alive and they remained a threat at the other end.

England were the team asking all the questions as the hour came and went, and they remained brave and composed on the ball. They got their reward when Shaw rose highest to head in on 72 minutes. Japan used a VAR review in vain to suggest an infringement, but the referee rightly dismissed the complaint.

In a tactical masterstroke, deep into added time, Henderson then replaced McSheffrey in goal for Dowsett – clearly with penalties in mind.

Lola Brown, Rachel Maltby and Harbert would all convert from the spot, and with Dowsett proving equal to two of the first three Japan efforts, it was left to Shaw to send England victorious. Spain await on Thursday night, in a repeat of May’s UEFA WU17 EURO final, but that can wait. England deserved to celebrate a remarkable achievement on the world stage.

England: 1 Hope McSheffrey (Arsenal), 2 Nelly Las (Leicester City), 3 Rachel Maltby (Aston Villa), 4 Laila Harbert (Arsenal), 5 Zara Shaw (Liverpool), 6 Cecily Wellesley-Smith (Arsenal/Oxford United), 7 Erica Parkinson (FC Valadares), 10 Vera Jones (Chelsea), 11 Lola Brown (Chelsea), 15 Emily Cassap (Sunderland), 20 Jane Oboavquduo (Manchester City)

Subs: Omatara Junaid (Arsenal) for Cassap 46', Olivia Johnson (Brighton & Hove Albion) for Parkinson 86', Sophie Harwood (Arsenal) for Las 90', Rebekah Dowsett (Leicester City) for McSheffrey 90+9'

Subs not used: 15 Niamh Peacock (Arsenal), 16 Simone Sherwood (Leicester City), 18 Izzy Fisher (Arsenal/Ipswich Town), 19 Eva Gray (Arsenal), 21 Eva Spencer (Liverpool)

Goals: Parkinson 27', Shaw 72'

Head coach: Natalie Henderson