Word is that England’s women’s soccer team is all fired up for an upcoming World Cup Group A qualifier with a Japan in Hong Kong because of “disparaging comments” apparently made by the Japanese side.

Although Japan’s coach Hiroshi Ohashi has described some of England’s stars as talented and dangerous, Japanese players including star midfielder Homare Osawa have reportedly dismissed them as easy opposition.

“That really fired our team up,” said England spokesman Alex Stone.

I’ve got to admit that I normally skip the women’s soccer games on TV because they tend to be too slow and boring, but I may make it a point to watch this one on Tuesday, just to see what happens.