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ENGLAND'S Lionesses fought back the tears as their World Cup flame was extinguished following a brave 2-1 defeat against the USA.

Despite fighting tooth and nail, England suffered red card heartache and a devastating penalty miss in a game which could have seen them make history.

England's players consoled each other at the final whistle
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England's players consoled each other at the final whistleCredit: Reuters
Phil Neville with goalscorer Ellen White at full time
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Phil Neville with goalscorer Ellen White at full timeCredit: Reuters
Millie Bright was sent off in the closing minutes of the game
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Millie Bright was sent off in the closing minutes of the gameCredit: PA:Press Association
Steph Houghton missed a second-half penalty with England trailing 2-1
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Steph Houghton missed a second-half penalty with England trailing 2-1Credit: AFP or licensors

Millions watched on TV and packed into pubs and bars across the country as Phil Neville's inspirational side captured the nation's hearts in a night of drama.

Ellen White sent Lionesses fans into ecstasy with a 19th minute equaliser but England were left with another mountain to climb after Alex Morgan restored USA's lead 12 minutes later.

Steph Houghton's missed spot kick and Millie Bright's late red card saw a dramatic second half end in heartache for England players and fans alike.

In another cruel blow for the Lionesses, White appeared to have scored her second on 67 minutes only to have it cancelled by VAR for offside.

Alex Morgan celebrates as she scores against England
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Alex Morgan celebrates as she scores against EnglandCredit: AFP or licensors
Alex Morgan scored USA's second goal
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Alex Morgan scored USA's second goalCredit: Reuters
England equalised to make the score 1-1 after an early American opener
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England equalised to make the score 1-1 after an early American openerCredit: AP:Associated Press
Fans watched on in agony and ecstasy in Battersea Park in London
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Fans watched on in agony and ecstasy in Battersea Park in LondonCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Fans celebrated the Lionesses first goal
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Fans celebrated the Lionesses first goalCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

NIGHT OF HOPE AND HEARTACHE WATCHED BY MILLIONS

The semi-final drama is estimated to have been watched by more than 10 million people on television - a record audience for the women's game.

Fans packed into pubs and parks across the country to cheer on our girls.

Special events were held across the country with London's Battersea Park and Flatiron Square among the venues where thousands of spectators got in the party mood.

Phil Neville's side were also backed by a huge travelling support at the Olympic Stadium in Lyon as the 60,000-capacity stadium was sold out days in advance.

Fans watched on in heartache at The Book Club in London
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Fans watched on in heartache at The Book Club in LondonCredit: Press Association
One fan covers here eyes in Walkabout, Birmingham
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One fan covers here eyes in Walkabout, BirminghamCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Fans endured the rollercoaster game at Flatiron Square in London
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Fans endured the rollercoaster game at Flatiron Square in LondonCredit: Gary Stone

Prince William, Anthony Joshua and Holly Willoughby were among those to show their support before the semi-final got underway.

William said in a video message to the team, hours before the semi-final: "Millions of people are watching, good luck girls - you've shown great quality throughout the tournament.

"Come on England."

Boxing champ Joshua said: "A massive good luck to the Lionesses. I've been keeping up to date, I know you've got an important game.

"And I'm wishing you the best of luck, all the way from London.

"We're with you, the whole country is behind you. I'll definitely be watching and supporting."

Not only are sports stars and celebrities backing our girls, thousands are making plans to watch the crucial game all over the country.

Prince William sent a message to the England team ahead of the match this evening
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Prince William sent a message to the England team ahead of the match this eveningCredit: BBC/Match of the Day
Ellen White tears up in post-match interview as England dramatically lose 1-2 to USA in FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final
Anthony Joshua also told the team he would be watching the crunch match
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Anthony Joshua also told the team he would be watching the crunch matchCredit: BBC/Match of the Day
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield wished the women luck in the important match this evening
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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield wished the women luck in the important match this eveningCredit: BBC/Match of the Day

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England were aiming to make their first Women's World Cup final.

They suffered defeat in the semi-finals of the 2015 competition and in the last four of Euro 2017.

Boss Phil Neville, who succeeded Mark Sampson in January 2018, had stressed the Lionesses will see it as "a failure" if they are beaten by the USA.

England fans have been arriving at the Olympic Stadium in Lyon
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England fans have been arriving at the Olympic Stadium in LyonCredit: PA:Press Association
Lioness fans are hoping to see history made
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Lioness fans are hoping to see history madeCredit: PA:Press Association
A young England fan donned face paint and a signed England cap outside the stadium
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 A young England fan donned face paint and a signed England cap outside the stadiumCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The Lionesses celebrate their third goal against Norway in the quarter final
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The Lionesses celebrate their third goal against Norway in the quarter finalCredit: Reuters
Sporting great Denise Lewis sent the girls a message to wish them luck
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Sporting great Denise Lewis sent the girls a message to wish them luckCredit: BBC/Match of the Day
England fans before the FIFA Women's World Cup Semi Final match at the Stade de Lyon
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England fans before the FIFA Women's World Cup Semi Final match at the Stade de LyonCredit: PA:Press Association
The Kirby Estate in south east London, is decorated with St George flags ahead of Women's World Cup semi final
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The Kirby Estate in south east London, is decorated with St George flags ahead of Women's World Cup semi final
The Lion Pub in Aldgate has change its name to The Lioness for one day only in support of England
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The Lion Pub in Aldgate has change its name to The Lioness for one day only in support of EnglandCredit: Instagram
Supporters at Glastonbury were thrilled as England made it through to the semi final
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Supporters at Glastonbury were thrilled as England made it through to the semi finalCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Phil Neville issues rallying cry as Lionesses stand on brink of history in bid to emulate heroes of 1966 and reach World Cup final

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