by Lewis Ambrose

Arsenal goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain was called upon as England won their World Cup quarter-final 2-1 against host nation Canada.

Two first-half goals in the space of three minutes were enough to send England through into a first ever World Cup semi-final.

The result is absolutely huge. England hadn’t won a quarter-final – men or women – since 1990. A quarter-final defeat of Norway on Monday night was the first time the Lionesses had ever won a World Cup knockout game, and now it has been followed up by a win over the host nation in front of over 54,000 people at  BC Place Stadium.

Lead

In the 11th minute Jodie Taylor capitalised on a mistake by Canadian defender Lauren Sesselmann. A mazy run and really tidy finish across the goalkeeper nestled into the far corner to give England a dream start in 11th minute.

An incredible atmosphere remained unbroken despite the Canadian team falling behind, but that didn’t faze the England players one bit.

Just three minutes later Lucy Bronze rose highest to head home a lofted in free-kick from Fara Williams, and England led by two.

Canada pulled one back just before half-time, Christine Sinclair capitalising on an error by Karen Bardsley but England held their nerve to go through.

Arsenal goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain was called upon in the second half with Bardsley suffering a problem with her eye.

Fellow Arsenal players Alex Scott, Jordan Nobbs and Lianne Sanderson didn’t make it off the bench, but experienced Arsenal defender Casey Stoney did come on in the final moments to see out the win.

What a huge achievement to reach a World Cup semi-final, and with five of our Arsenal Ladies team there too.

England will play their first ever World Cup semi-final against Japan on Wednesday evening – I’m sure you’ll all be watching at midnight.

Congratulations ladies, and keep going!