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England’s Lionesses progressed to the World Cup semi finals with a comfortable win over Norway in Le Havre, laying down the gauntlet to their tournament rivals.
Midfield stalwart Jill Scott gave England an early lead, just three minutes into the game. Lucy Bronze made a powerful run down the right hand side, beating two players on her way to the byline. She then cut the ball back and an air kick by Ellen White saw the ball fall directly at the feet of Scott who slotted the ball into the far corner.
England had the large share of the ball for the opening minutes but Norway did well to ensure they kept within touching distance. Wasted opportunities by White and Nikita Parris helped the Norwegians cause. Millie Bright was dominant at the back to nullify any Norway attack before England doubled the lead.
On 40 minutes, Bronze again bombed down the right before playing in Parris who squared a simple ball for White to tap into the net for her fifth of the tournament. A deserved lead considering the run of play in the first half. Scott had an opportunity to put the game to bed but a touch from Norway keeper Ingrid Hjelmseth put off the midfielder.
Norway started the second half putting pressure on the England goal, only last ditch defending from Steph Houghton keeping England’s clean sheet intact.
It was the hour mark when England put the game to bed, a set piece routine from the training ground gave Bronze the opportunity to lash the ball into the roof of the net from 20 yards out.
Norway had a key chance soon after when the formidable Millie Bright played a loose backpass which Norway forward Isabell Herlovsen latched onto. She rounded Karen Bardsley and could have gone down for a penalty after contact from the goalkeeper.
Hervolsen continued towards goal and directed a shot that was goalbound, but Houghton heroically cleared off the line. The defender was involved again as she won a penalty after being shoved when jumping for a header. Nikita Parris stepped up to take it but her spot kick was well saved by Hjelmseth.
England saw the game out and progress to the semi-finals where they will meet the winner of hosts France and tournament favourites USA.
