Football: England defeated in World Cup semi-final by USA

Photo: JMSportPix

Football

The England Women’s football team have had their dreams of winning a World Cup final dashed after being defeated by the USA in their semi-final match on Tuesday (2 July).

Captain Steph Houghton missed a late penalty as England were beaten 2-1 by the defending world champions, in a game that proved to be the most-watched television programme of the year so far in the UK - with a peak audience of 11.7million.

The Lionesses lost at the last World Cup to Japan and at the 2017 Euros to eventual winners the Netherlands.

This year’s World Cup was the debut tournament for Rochdale-born midfielder Keira Walsh, 22, one of the youngest players in Phil Neville's 23-strong England squad.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/128434/football-keira-walsh-makes-world-cup-debut

Walsh signed her first professional contract with Manchester City at the age of 18 in June 2015 and was delighted to put pen to paper on a deal at her childhood club.

One of the country's rising stars, Walsh made her debut for City in a 1-0 win over Notts County Ladies in July 2014. Since then, she has blossomed and has gained international experience at youth level with England.

She became a first-team regular towards the end of the 2014 season and played a key role in the Continental Cup-winning side.

In 2016, she helped City to a league and cup double, also making her Champions League debut and scoring the match winner in a last 16 triumph over Brondby IF.

England play Sweden or the Netherlands in Saturday's (6 July) third-place play-off.