England to play favourites USA in Women’s World Cup semi-final after Americans dump host nation France out of tournament in front of watching Jose Mourinho

ENGLAND will face favourites United States in the Women's World Cup semi-final on Tuesday.

The Americans dumped out host nation France 2-1 at the Parc des Princes for a record tenth World Cup win in a row - with Jose Mourinho watching on.

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Megan Rapinoe stuck two fingers up to President Trump this week, declaring she wouldn't go to the White House if the USA were crowned world champions, and stuck two finishes into the French net tonight.

The first came in the fifth minute as the forward's free-kick evaded everyone and Sarah Bouhaddi could not react in time.

And 20 minutes into the second half, the USA cut through the French defence and Rapinoe made no mistake at the back post.

French star Wendie Renard - who has endured a mixed tournament to say the least - pulled one back with nine minutes to go with a free header from close range to ensure a nervy end for the Yanks.

The hosts then had a huge penalty appeal turned down when the ball hit Kelley O'Hara's harm.

But referee Kateryna Monzul furiously waved away the protests from the players and the majority of the 45,595 inside the stadium as the USA saw out the game to set up a crunch clash with Phil Neville's Lionesses.

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Match-winner Rapinoe admitted the French were the better side for parts of the game.

But the USA showed why they are the reigning queens of the world as they punished the hosts emphatically.

Rapinoe said: "You have to give it up to the French team. They outplayed us for sure with the ball today.

"But we were so good defensively, so strong. We hit them where it hurt, we took our chances. This team has an unreal amount of heart."

The watching Mourinho would surely be proud of such a resolute performance at the back - but Neville will take heart from the way USA switched off for Renard's header.

England beat Norway 3-0 last night to qualify for a third major tournament semi-final in a row with goals from Jill Scott, Ellen White and a Lucy Bronze cracker.

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The extra day to rest and prepare for Tuesday's final-four clash in Lyon could prove critical as temperatures hit an all-time record 45.8C.

And there was extra reason for celebration for England and rivals Scotland as the USA's win ensured the Lionesses will be among the top-three ranked European teams at the World Cup.

That means Team GB have automatically qualified for next summer's Olympics in Tokyo, a tournament with greater importance in the women's game.

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