Two first-half goals from Georgia Stanway sent England to the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018 after a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Vannes on Friday.

Fans at the Stade de la Rabine were treated to all three goals in the opening 45 minutes. The Oranje gained the lead on 12 minutes through Victoria Pelova, who took advantage of a poor clearance by England defender Megan Finnigan and found the net from the edge of the area.

The Dutch goal sparked the match into life, and it was the Young Lionesses that turned the momentum in their favour with a pair of quick-fire Stanway goals. On 20 minutes, the Manchester City player took a forward ball from Georgia Allen on the right before cutting into the Dutch box and grabbing the equaliser. Three minutes later, Stanway scored England’s winner when she converted her initial chance on the rebound after hitting the post at close range.

The closest the Netherlands came to replying after the break was a half-chance from Naomi Pattiwael, who broke in on the England goal on 54 minutes, but goalkeeper Sandy MacIver was on hand to deny her. At the other other end, England created several more chances to extend their lead, with the ever-dangerous Stanway going just wide of the target with a free-kick on 72 minutes.

Victory for Mo Marley’s side sees England reach the last four of this competition for the first time.