England secured their place in the semi-finals of the women’s World Cup after outclassing Norway 3-0 in their last-eight tie in Le Havre on Thursday.
Jill Scott, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze scored England’s goals before Nikita Parris had a late penalty saved.
Lucy Bronze’s brilliant second-half strike capped a fine night that saw the Lionesses become the first senior England team to reach the last four at three consecutive major tournaments.
Two slick team moves had given them a deserved 2-0 half-time lead, as Jill Scott and Ellen White found the net from close range either side of White hitting the post.
Nikita Parris saw a late penalty, awarded for Maria Thorisdottir’s foul on England captain Steph Houghton, well saved by Ingrid Hjelmseth.
But that did not dampen England’s jubilant mood at full-time, as they celebrated with sheer joy after moving within one win of their first major final.
White’s tap-in took her goals tally to five for the tournament, putting her joint leader in the race for the Golden Boot alongside the United States’ Alex Morgan and Australia’s Sam Kerr.
Backed by thousands of delighted travelling fans, the Lionesses will now face either France or the US in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Lyon.
Phil Neville’s team will face either France or the United States in the semi-finals next Tuesday.
AFP and BBC
