England's women were knocked out of the World Cup after losing their quarter-final 4-3 on penalties against France.
Faye White misses crucial spot-kick as England crash out
England's women were knocked out of the World Cup in dramatic fashion after losing their quarter-final 4-3 on penalties against France in Leverkusen.
Captain Faye White missed the decisive kick when her effort hit the crossbar to send Les Bleus through to the semi-finals.
The Lionesses went into the game having failed to beat France since 1974 and the added pressure of having never got past the quarter-final stage of a World Cup.
But Hope Powell's side were optimistic of defying the odds after cruising through the group stage against a dangerous France team, which included five Lyon players who won last season's Champions League final.
England opened the scoring at the BayArena 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.
The Everton midfielder latched onto a Rachel Yankey cross to rifle in her second goal of the tournament from 20 yards out.
Reward
However, France fought back and finally got just reward for their incessant pressure through Elise Bussaglia's fantastic strike two minutes from time.
The Paris Saint Germain midifielder's shot hit the post and curled into the net ensuring that the match went into extra-time.
The extra 30 minutes failed to separate the sides. Ellen White missed a chance while a header from France substitute Eugenie Le Sommer went over as both sides looked weary with England veterans Kelly Smith and Faye White limping as the whistle blew ensuring the match went into spot-kicks.
Crucial penalty misses from Claire Rafferty and Faye White ended England's hopes of a first semi-final appearance.
France will now play either Brazil or the United States for a place in the final on July 17.
