England out of World Cup after penalty miss and red card in heartbreaking 2-1 semi-final defeat to USA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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