England are through to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup thanks to a 2-1 win over hosts Canada.

The Lionesses made a fast start and took the lead after 11 minutes when a mistake by Lauren Sesselmann allowed Jodie Taylor in on goal, and she calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

England doubled their lead two minutes later as Lucy Bronze guided a header from Fara Williams's free-kick over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Canada came close to pulling one back through Christine Sinclair, whose free-kick whistled inches past the post, while Melissa Tancredi headed over from a few yards out.

However, England also went close as Stephanie Houghton hit the bar with a header from another Williams set-piece.

The hosts did manage to pull themselves back into the game three minutes before half time as a cross was dropped by Karen Bardsley, and it was tapped in by Sinclair.

England continued to create chances at the beginning of the second half as Taylor forced the keeper into a finger-tip save from a low effort, while Katie Chapman's long-range shot marginally missed.

However, Canada quickly got on top as they forced England to drop deeper throughout the half. Chances started to come late on, but Adriana Leon wasted the best as she shot wide at the end of a waltzed run through the defence.

England held on, and will meet Japan in the semi-finals.

Written by
Charlie Bennett