England defeats Norway to reach Women's World Cup semis

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - England beat Norway 3-0 late Thursday in a 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal match to qualify for the semis.

The Lionesses took a very early lead in the French port city of Le Havre as midfielder Jill Scott found the net.

Forward Ellen White doubled the lead in the 40th minute, with the first half ending 2-0 for England.

England made it 3-0 in the 57th minute as defender Lucy Bronze scored.

English forward Nikita Parris missed a penalty in the 83rd minute, but the 3-0 win was enough to secure a ticket to the semifinals.

Bronze, who was named player of the match, told reporters she cannot wait to play in the semis.

"I'm excited to be going to Lyon now. We’ll have to raise our game against France or the USA, but we know we can match up against either one of those teams. We can get a rest and watch the rest of the quarterfinals now," she said.

England will take on the USA or France in the semifinal match on July 2.