Tonight’s last four clash sees players from Loughborough College set to line up for the Lionesses against USA – with the chance for England to reach the Women’s World Cup final for the first time.
Steph Houghton, Jade Moore, Jilly Scott, Toni Duggan, Ellen White and Karen Carney were all selected for Phil Neville’s side – and joining Gaby Logan to commentate at the Stade de Lyon will be footballing legend, and another former Loughborough College student, Jordan Nobbs.
After wins against Japan, Argentina and Scotland, the semi final against the holders was sealed with a 3-0 victory against Norway in Le Havre. Midfielder Jill Scott put England ahead in the third minute, the earliest goal of the tournament, while fellow College alumna Ellen White made it 2-0, giving her a five goal tally which has not only taken her her into the tournament’s top goal scorers but also sees her become England’s all-time leading goal scorer at Women’s World Cups. Lucy Bronze added the third in the 57th minute.
This is the second time the Lionesses have reached the final four in a World Cup and it’s their third semi final in a row at a major tournament. Three-time champions USA top the world rankings and beat hosts France to make the semi-final.
Loughborough College Head of Sport Helen Van Aardt said: “We are incredibly proud of all our sport students and it is wonderful to see so many of them representing and achieving on the international stage.
“For no fewer than six College alumni to be selected for the England Women’s World Cup squad is amazing - not to mention another of our former students, Jordan Nobbs, in the BBC commentary box.
“Tonight’s game could see the Lionesses reach the World Cup final for the first time - and we will be right there alongside millions of fans cheering them on.”
Kick off is at 20:00 BST on Tuesday 2 July for the Fifa Women’s World Cup: England v USA and can be seen live on BBC One or iPlayer
Pictured: Loughborough College alumna Ellen White makes history for England at the Women’s World Cup with her goal against Norway