The United States have defeated England 2-1 in the first semifinal of the 2019 Women’s World Cup on TUE 02 JUL 2019. Alyssa NAEHER saved a late penalty by England’s Steph HOUGHTON to ensure the US’s place in the final for the third consecutive time.

As in all of their previous matches at the tournament, the US opened the scoring early, when Christen PRESS headed in a cross from Kelley O’HARA in the tenth minute. Ellen WHITE equalised for the Three Lionesses nine minutes later with her sixth goal of the tournament. In the 31st minute, Alex MORGAN joined White on six goals by heading past England keeper Carly TELFORD.

Once the second half began, though, England began to attack with earnest. White finished past Naeher midway through the period, but the goal was disallowed on video review for offside. Then, in the 79th minute, White was brought down in the area by Becky SAUERBRUNN, and a penalty was awarded on video review.

England captain Houghton stepped up to take the spot kick, but Naeher saved her effort and kept the match at 2-1. Shortly thereafter, Millie BRIGHT was shown her second yellow card. With ten players remaining, England did not seriously threaten again the remainder of the match.

The US remain in Lyon until Sunday’s final, their third consecutive Women’s World Cup final appearance and fifth overall. England travel to Nice for Saturday’s third place match.