Vancouver (Canada), June 28 (IANS): England reached a women's World Cup semi-final for the first time in their history when they defeated hosts Canada to set up a tie with reigning champions Japan.
England made a dream start with two goals in three minutes as Jodie Taylor here on Saturday.
Lucy Bronze then headed in Fara Williams' free-kick to double the advantage.
England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley then gifted Christine Sinclair a goal three minutes before the break to go into halftime with the match tantalisingly poised at 2-1.
But in a second half Canada became disjointed allowing England held on for a famous win.
England had already broken new ground by winning their first World Cup knockout game in the last 16, when they beat Norway.