England vs Norway: Lionesses triumph to reach Women’s World Cup semi-finals

Phil Neville’s England took on Norway in the last eight in Le Havre

England train ahead of their Women's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Le Havre

England are into the Women's World Cup semi-finals after a hugely impressive win over Norway in Le Havre.

Goals from Jill Scott, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze were enough to secure the Lionesses safe passage into the final four and a match up with either hosts France or holders USA in Lyon on Tuesday.

Here's how it played out:

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Key Points

• England into Women's World Cup semi-finals after win over Norway
• Jill Scott fires England ahead after just three minutes
• Ellen White doubles lead just before the break
• Lucy Bronze makes it three with superb strike
• Nikita Parris misses from the spot after Steph Houghton fouled

[27 June 2019 19:06 · Michael Jones]

England have, at times, looked very shaky in defence during this World Cup and it was evident against Cameroon last Sunday.

Leading goalscorer Ellen White knows this but she believes England have the ability to improve:

"That’s football, if you look at any team going through this tournament, there are mistakes.

"We did well the other night, we won and we’re looking forward to Norway and we’re up for the challenge and we’re ready for it.

"We have been performing as each game goes on we are getting better. To be world class you have to keep rising your levels and we are doing that."

[27 June 2019 19:11 · Michael Jones]

The Lionesses have arrived in Le Havre! 

[27 June 2019 19:19 · Michael Jones]

Norway have named an unchanged side who beat Australia in a penalty shootout in the last 16.

Chelsea's defensive duo Maren Mjelde and Maria Thorisdottir will be a hindrance to England whilst Caroline Graham Hansen has the ability to cause major trouble for the Lionesses back line.

The 24-year-old has won the Bundesliga three times and reached the Champions League final twice. She is also set to join Barcelona next season making her the first Norwegian to join Spanish giants.

[27 June 2019 19:31 · Michael Jones]

A World Cup semi-final isn't the only thing on the line tonight. Olympic qualification hopes for Tokyo 2020 also rest on the result. 

There are seven European teams left in the World Cup with only the top three nations qualifying for the Olympics.

That means a semi-final place is crucial.

If the USA defeat France tomorrow whoever wins tonight's match will guarantee their place in Tokyo.  

If France win then a minimum of third place would be required to make it to the Olympics.

In a pre-tournament agreement, England as the highest ranked team, represent Great Britain's qualification chances despite Scotland also being in the World Cup. 

[27 June 2019 19:42 · Michael Jones]

The last time England faced Norway in the World Cup was in 2015. They came face-to-face in the last 16 with England coming away with a 2-1 win. 

Both English goalscorers that day start in tonight's line-up. Captain Steph Houghton and superstar Lucy Bronze. 

Can they repeat those feats tonight?

[27 June 2019 19:49 · Michael Jones]

Izzy Christiansen previews England's quarter-final versus Norway:

 

[27 June 2019 19:54 · Michael Jones]

Under ten minutes until kick off. Victory tonight sets up a semi-final clash with either France of the USA.

Both teams look a little nervous as they come out onto the pitch, who's it going to be England or Norway?

Kick off is next...

[27 June 2019 20:01 · Michael Jones]

Norway 0 - 0 England

England start the match and send the ball forward down the right wing. Parris puts the ball into the box but it's cleared out. England have the ball and send it to Stokes on the left, she puts the ball into the box and it's deflected behind for a goal kick.

[27 June 2019 20:04 · Michael Jones]

Norway 0 - 1 England - Scott

3 mins: GOAL! What a start for England!

Lucy Bronze outpaces Norway's left-back Wold and runs the ball to the byline before cutting it into the box. Ellen White tries to meet it but misses the ball only for Jill Scott to latch onto the end of the end and turn it into the goal off the far post!

[27 June 2019 20:06 · Michael Jones]

Norway 0 - 1 England

6 mins: England's biggest threat has been down the right wing all tournament and so it's proven again tonight. England come down the left with this attack though as Stokes sends the ball out to Duggan. Duggan puts it into the box and Parris is the first to the ball, she doesn't control it though and the ball goes out off Jill Scott.