Support For England 'Hero' After Own Goal

Football stars and teammates have rallied around England player Laura Bassett after her own goal in injury time during the World Cup semi-final.

England lost the match 2-1 against Japan, with a devastated Bassett breaking down in tears after the final whistle.

Fans took to Twitter, telling her to "keep your chin up", describing her as a "hero" and an "excellent role model".

Retired US player Brandi Chastain tweeted to Bassett: "You've been amazing. Your fight and determination are your true character.

"I know the pain of an own goal but it won't define you."

Retired England player Stan Collymore wrote: "Well done, Laura Bassett. The Villa family are proud of you.

"Well done England, brilliant tournament, heroines one and all."

Gary Lineker added: "What a dreadful way to lose! Poor, poor Laura Bassett."

Bassett's teammates also showed their support, with Casey Stoney writing: "If anyone did not deserve that today, it was Laura Bassett.

"She is the most honest, hard-working professional who is an amazing teammate."

Carly Telford added: My roomy, my teammate, my captain and a very close friend. Laura Bassett, you are a credit to this nation."

Coach Mark Sampson said: "Laura Bassett has epitomised this England team this tournament.

"She has been courageous, strong ... she kept this team together. She didn't deserve that. She'll be remembered as a hero."

Japan captain Aya Miyama's penalty opened the scoring after 33 minutes.

But Fara Williams equalised from the spot just seven minutes later.

In the second half, Toni Duggan and Claire Rafferty both hit the crossbar while Ellen White and Jill Scott also went close.

But in stoppage time Bassett's last-ditch interception sent the ball looping in off the bar.

Midfielder Williams added: "Laura feels she's let everybody down but I'll tell you now, that girl has given everything in this tournament and she should be proud of herself."

Captain Steph Houghton, Bassett's central defensive partner, said: "There are no words to describe it really.

"The only thing I've got to say is I'm so proud of all the girls, all the staff, we've been on an amazing journey."

Japan will face the USA in Sunday's final - a rematch of the 2011 game which saw the Asian champions lift the coveted trophy.

England have one more game to play, the unpopular third-place play-off with former champions Germany in Edmonton on Saturday.