Phil Neville had nothing but admiration for his England players for the way they booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Jodie Taylor’s 62nd-minute goal gave the Lionesses a deserved 1-0 win over Argentina – but they were made to work for it.
The South American’s goalkeeper Vanina Correa saved a Nikita Parris penalty amid an inspired display.
But England kept plugging away and found the breakthrough just after the hour mark.
The victory leaves them on six points from two matches, following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat of Scotland, and means they need just a point against Japan on Wednesday to progress as Group D winners.
Neville said: “Four days ago I was critical but I am so proud of every single one of them.
“I thought we played with confidence and composure like they have done for the past two days in training. Winning is a by-product of what you do during the week.
"What we spoke about at half time was to keep our heads and our discipline.
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“Frustration can sometimes take over and we don't want to go into the Japan game with a yellow card over players’ heads. We knew that for them to compete with us they had to do everything possible but my players kept concentration unbelievably well and I'm really proud of them.”
He continued: “Japan struggled to create chances against Argentina but we didn't. You always have a bit of a dip [after missing a penalty]. We composed ourselves after that.”
Neville also reserved a word of praise for his match-winner.
“She's a massive player, a big-game player,” he said of Taylor.
“It's always nice when your centre forwards are scoring because the hotel's happy, when your centre forwards are bouncing round the hotel because they're scoring goals. They live off goals.
“I told Jodie before the game that I knew she would score. You reap your rewards from your training performances. She thrives off service, she thrives off balls through and the support from around her.
“It was brilliant from Jodie. Brilliant from Ellen [White] the other day.
“If I could pick anyone to score it would be my forwards. When you have a happy centre forward you have a happy house. We have a real competition for places.”
