ENGLAND were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup football at the quarter-final stage after an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to France in Leverkusen.
Hope Powell’s women almost overcame France thanks to another moment of brilliance from Jill Scott, who followed her great effort against Japan by netting a superb lofted goal in the 58th minute.
However, France fought back and finally got just reward for their incessant pressure through Elise Bussaglia’s fantastic first-time curled effort three minutes from time.
Extra-time failed to separate the sides but penalty misses from Claire Rafferty and Faye White ended England`s hopes of a first semi-final appearance.
England broke the deadlock against the run of play through Scott after she hit a lofted effort over the hapless Celine Deville.
French heads seemed to drop after conceding, although they continued to pepper the England goal as Louisa Necib almost struck a 35-yard free-kick past Karen Bardsley and Elodie Thomis came close.
And they were not to be denied as Bussaglia curled home a left-footed shot off the inside of the post with just minutes remaining.
The equaliser took the match into extra-time, which Kelly Smith was forced to spend as a passenger due to injury and with England having already used their full compliment of substitutions.
Ellen White’s blasted shot into the side netting was the only moment of note in the first period, while the second period was punctuated by further knocks to England players rather than clear-cut chances.
With nothing able to separate the teams, the match went to penalties where England slipped up once again.
Despite Bardsley saving Camille Abily’s penalty, Rafferty dragged a penalty wide and Faye White smashed the crossbar.