Spain and 10-woman England out of Women’s World Cup after slim defeats to favourites USA

SPAIN and England’s Women’s World Cup dreams have ended as the USA knocked them both out 2-1.

Steph Houghton had the chance to equalise for the Lionesses, but her weak 84th-minute penalty was stopped by USA keeper Alyssa Naeher.

Minutes later Phil Neville’s side’s hopes were fully smashed when captain Houghton’s defensive partner Millie Bright was given her marching orders after a second yellow card.

A Christen Press header gave tournament favourites USA the lead inside 10 minutes, before England hit back through a reflex Ellen White strike.

But a pacey first half saw England go behind again after striker Alex Morgan’s headed effort beat reserve goalie Carly Telford before halftime.

VAR played a huge part in the clash, as England midfielder Jill Scott’s superb goal was disallowed, before the technology later resulted in Bright’s dismissal for her second bookable offence.

The semi final tie at Stade de Lyon, France – watched by an impressive crowd of 53,512 – came after Spain were knocked out at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Reims.

Megan Rapinoe put away two spot kicks in that game to help the USA set up a dream tie against hosts France in the quarterfinals, which they also won 2-1, securing them the England match.

The Americans will now face either the Netherlands or Sweden in the final, who they will play on Sunday July 7.