Japan began their quest to reach a third straight final with a poor goalless draw as Argentina earned their first ever point at a World Cup.
The Japanese won the tournament in 2011 by beating the United States, who gained revenge four years later.
An uninspiring contest saw Japan’s Yui Hasegawa screw a shot wide from a promising position in the second half – the closest either side came to a goal.
The draw leaves England top of Group D after they beat Scotland on Sunday and Phil Neville’s side will be confident of collecting another three points when they face the Argentines on Friday , while Japan face Scotland.
Elsewhere , A header by Kadeisha Buchanan, voted best young player at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, ensured Canada opened their 2019 campaign with a win over Cameroon.
The defender, who plays club football in France for Lyon, struck from a corner at the end of the first half to give Canada a 1-0 win in Montpellier.
