Steph Houghton preserved England’s lead with goal-saving tackle (Video)

England picked up wins over Scotland and Argentina in their first two games, and they can thank captain Steph Houghton for preserving their precarious 1-0 lead over Japan with an incredible goal-saving tackle.

Usually, it’s the goals that grab the headlines and make the highlight reels, but once in a while there’s a last-ditch tackle from a defensive player that leaves football fans in awe.

England captain Steph Houghton provided that moment of brilliance in her team’s final group stage game against Japan, robbing substitute striker Yuika Sugasawa of a sure-fire shot on target.

Sugasawa would have scored to tie the game at 1-1 without this crucial intervention from Houghton, who had to expertly get every bit of the ball when making this high-risk tackle inside the penalty box. Houghton had no choice but to go to ground, and the former Arsenal standout showed her class by poking the ball free and keeping England’s lead intact.

Striker Ellen White would go on to punch in her second goal of the game to give England a late 2-0 cushion and a full nine points in three games. But White may not have had this opportunity to seal the game for England if it weren’t for Houghton’s heroics earlier.

Houghton starts at center back for both England and her club team Manchester City, where she’s coming off of an FA Cup-winning season. England are one of the favorites to win the World Cup this year thanks to players like her, and England have looked every bit like a contender during their difficult Group D games.