England book spot in Women’s World Cup semifinal

England reached their second consecutive Women’s World Cup semi-final as they produced an excellent performance to beat Norway in Le Havre.

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.

The Lionesses will now face either France or the US in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Lyon.