BY Victor Akhidenor
Two first-half goals from Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze were enough to see England to a 2-1 win over hosts Canada to book a place into their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Captain Christine Sinclair pulled one back for Canada, but the strike could not spark a comeback for John Herdman’s side at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Melissa Tancredi had the first chance of the match to put Canada in the lead, but her right foot effort flew over Karen Bardsley’s crossbar.
They were made to pay for the missed opportunity, with Taylor making no mistake from her chance 11 minutes into the game.
Lauren Sesselmann misjudged her clearance, which Taylor capitalised on, sidestepping Allysha Chapman’s challenge and firing past Erin McLeod in goal for Canada.
The Three Lionesses extended their lead three minutes later from a well-taken Fara Williams’ free-kick that was met by a Bronze header in off the crossbar.
Sinclair reduced the tally in the 42nd minute from an Ashley Lawrence shot spilled by goalkeeper Bardsley into her path for a simple tap-in.
Canada pressed to level the score line at the resumption of the second half, but England continued looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
The equaliser never came and England will now head to Edmonton for a showdown on Wednesday with holders Japan, who defeated Australia 1-0 from a late Mana Iwabuchi’s strike.
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