Arsenal Ladies defender Alex Scott came off the bench during the second half of England’s agonising 2-1 semi-final defeat to Japan in the Women’s World Cup.

Scott was brought on in the 75th minute of the game in Canada with the score tied at 1-1 against the defending champions.

But the Lionesses’ dreams were shattered in the 92nd minute of the tie when Laura Bassett scored an own goal to win Japan the game and set up a final against the USA on Sunday night.

Arsenal players Siobhan Chamberlain, Jordan Nobbs, Lianne Sanderson and Casey Stoney were all unused substitutes during Wednesday night’s defeat in Edmonton.

Stoney tweeted: “If anyone did not deserve that today it was @laurabassett6 she is the most honest, hard working, professional who is an amazing team mate!!!

“Not the result we deserved tonight and its absolutely heart breaking but I have never been prouder of this team and these players #lionesses.”