Despite USA Loss, England Have Inspired The Next Generation And Should Be Proud

England Women's World Cup dream has come to an end at the semi-final stage after they were beaten 2-1 by the USA in Lyon.

Captain Alex Morgan's 107th goal for her country in the 31st minute proved to be the winner after Ellen White had cancelled out Christen Press' early opener with her sixth goal of the tournament.

White busted out her trademark 'eyes' celebration in the second half again when she found the net for the seventh time in France, only for the goal to be disallowed after VAR ruled that she was offside in an incredible close call.

VAR came to the Lionesses' aid minutes later when the technology awarded a penalty for a trip on the Manchester City striker and it gave England a golden chance.

Captain Steph Houghton stepped up but saw her effort saved by Alyssa Naeher in what was England's third missed spot-kick in the tournament.

England piled on the pressure late on but their task of levelling was made even more difficult when defender Millie Bright received a second yellow for a late challenge.

USA have the chance to become back-to-back world champions when they play the winner of the second semi-final between Netherlands and Sweden on Sunday.

England face the loser of that game as they look to finish the campaign on a high as they did four years ago in Canada.

But while there's disappointment that they weren't able to go a step further this time around, the whole squad deserve enormous credit for their performances and how they have managed to inspire the next generation of young girls.

The sheer interest in England Women from fans and the media has been nothing short of incredible. A peak UK TV audience of 7.6 million tuning in on BBC to watch Phil Neville's side beat Norway 3-0 in the quarter finals and that number is expected to have experienced another increase yet again tonight.

Women's football on these shores has come a long, long way and you get the feeling that we're only just getting started.

Though they are wounded and heartbroken, England can be proud of their efforts.

Topics: Football News, Football, Alex Morgan, England, Women's Football, Women's World Cup, France, USA

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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