The two matches brought the Group to a conclusion, with Japan meeting England to determine who would progress into the round of 16 as leaders.

Allianz Riviera in Nice hosted what was a re-match of the 2015 World Cup semi-final, which Japan narrowly won 2-1.

This time it was England that triumphed, with Ellen White hitting the target in the 14th and 84th minutes to secure a 2-0 victory.

Over at Parc des Princes in Paris, Scotland needed to defeat Argentina to have a chance of moving on as one of four third best-placed teams. 

It looked likely that they would do this by the 70th minute, with the tournament debutantes cruising 3-0.

Kim Little, Jennifer Beattie and Erin Cuthbert had all got on the scoresheet before Milagros Menéndez started an impressive Argentinian comeback in the 74th minute.

Scottish goalkeeper Lee Alexander only made matters worse when she scored an own goal with 10 minutes remaining, but her side still led 3-2.

In stoppage time, however, Sophie Howard fouled Aldana Cometti in the Scottish penalty box, with the referee awarding Argentina a spot-kick after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). 

Alexander saved the initial shot from Florencia Bonsegundo before Scotland's jubilant celebrations were cut short when the referee was once again advised to look at VAR.

It was ruled that Alexander had been off her line as the kick was taken, with Bonsegundo scoring the resultant re-taken penalty. 

The final whistle sounded soon after, confirming the end of Scotland's World Cup.

Action is due to continue tomorrow with the conclusion of Group E.

The Netherlands are scheduled to play Canada at Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims and Cameroon take on New Zealand at tade de la Mosson in Montpellier.