All seven of Manchester City’s representatives featured in what was the Lionesses best performance of the tournament so far, with two of our contingent setting new records for Phil Neville’s side.
Jill Scott scored after two minutes and six seconds to net the fastest goal scored by England at a Women’s World Cup, while Ellen White is now the country’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.
READ | Scott and White help fire England into semi-finals
In the aftermath, City’s new signing hailed the team’s performance as well as the support and team-spirit amongst the squad.
“I’m delighted to get on the scoresheet,” she said.
“It was an unbelievable great team performance. We really dug in.
“The atmosphere was incredible. The Le Havre games have felt like home games for us. The amount of fans who have spent money to come out and support is us incredible. The noise was unbelievable.
“Phil has instilled a family environment. We get to know each other on and off the pitch. We’re surrounded by people who you know have your back.”
Though England went into the game with a 100% record, they were yet to hit top gear.
But, buoyed by a pre-match message from Olympian Katherine Grainger and former men’s captain David Beckham, that changed on Thursday evening.
Neville described it as the best display of his tenure and for Karen Bardsley in the England goal, it was a wonderful watch.
“It was a very commanding performance,” declared the City ‘keeper.
“We were brave in playing in tight spaces and stuck to the game plan. We could have had a few more opportunities. It was a very convincing win.
“I’m so proud of these girls. We keep building momentum and facing new challenges and overcoming obstacles.”
England will face the winner of Friday’s blockbuster tie between reigning champions the United States and the hosts, France.
Les Bleus are the only team to beat the US since 2017 and former Stars and Stripes ‘keeper Hope Solo has described the clash as ‘what the women’s game needs.’
“This is the game that was necessary for the growth of women’s football,” she explained.
“This quarter-final will be a global game for women to refer back to. In years to come, we will look back on this giant contest.”
The game kicks-off at 8pm (BST) and in the UK, will be broadcast live on BBC One.
