After a third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup, Phil Neville’s side were hoping to go one further in the 2019 edition, hosted by France.
The Lionesses eased their way through Group D, conceding just one goal as they completed a clean sweep wins.
In the knockout stages, England continued to look assured defensively and on the attack, earning successive 3-0 wins over Cameroon and Norway to reach the final four of the competition.
But the semi-final posed a different challenge altogether - the Lionesses would have to overcome the World Cup holders the United States of America in order to secure a place in the final.
Attracting a record audience for a women’s football match of 11.7m, the UK watched on anxiously as England did battle with the world champions - and fans were treated to a match full of twists and turns.
Here is the story of England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final against the USA in pictures....
1. England manager Phil Neville, speaking before the game: “Losing a semi-final would mean nothing to me; they only take pictures of the winning team.”
2. Top USA striker Megan Rapinoe, who scored a brace in both of the States’ knockout ties, is on the bench with a hamstring injury - Christen Press replaces her up top.
3. The players shake hands ahead of kick-off as a crowd of 53,512 fans watches on.
4. 0’ - Ellen White kicks off the semi-final for England at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.