England's best moments: Tears, celebrations and selfies

It may have happened in the middle of the night, but England captured the imagination of a nation by making history on Sunday morning to reach the Women's World Cup semi-finals.

A peak audience of 1.6m watched England's quarter-final win over Canada on BBC One, even though the game kicked-off at 00:30 BST.

England next face defending champions Japan in Thursday's semi-final but before then BBC Sport looks back at tears of joy, wild celebrations and other brilliant moments from a historic weekend.

A stadium stunned into silence

England entered a cauldron of noise on Saturday, with hosts Canada backed by more than 50,000 passionate home fans.

The atmosphere was electric, the noise deafening but that was silenced when England snatched a shock lead.

Canada defender Lauren Sesselmann slipped, Jodie Taylor pounced and broke towards goal before whipping a low shot into the bottom corner. One mistake, one goal.

Taylor's tears

"It is unbelievable," said goalscorer Taylor at full-time, fighting back the tears. "To make history with England has been my goal for four or five years. It is amazing."

The emotions of the moment were clearly too much, and it moved those watching as well.

"Jodie Taylor interview...that's what playing football for your country AT ANY LEVEL is meant to feel like," radio presenter Colin Murray said.

Fan Mark Hainsworth described Taylor's tearful interview as "overwhelming" while fellow supporter Tameena Hussain tweeted: "The emotion from Taylor shows what it means to them. Playing with pride and passion."

Scott's celebrations

Jill Scott tasted quarter-final disappointment with England in 2007 and 2011

It is an image that encapsulates the incredible highs and lows of knockout football.

Midfielder Jill Scott, arms outstretched, screams in joy as the referee blows her whistle, confirming England's historic win.

Meanwhile, in the background, a disconsolate Canada player is slumped on the ground, head in her hands.

England's men paid tribute

England captain Wayne Rooney passed on his congratulations to England's women's team on Twitter

Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere also praised England's progress

Former England midfielder David Beckham spoke of his pride on Instagram after the win

And it was not just the footballers...

Harry Potter actress Emma Watson was thrilled by England's win

English drum and bass band Rudimental took time out from performing at Glastonbury to congratulate England

Royal approval

Prince William, FA president, met the England women's team before they left for Canada

"Congratulations to both the English and Canadian teams for such a great game in the Women's World Cup quarters," said the Duke of Cambridge after England's win.

"As president of the FA I'm thrilled to see the England women progress to the semis for the first time. This team is making history and I can't wait to see them in action against Japan.

"The Lionesses are doing their country proud."

All set for a 1966 repeat?

A senior England team has reached a World Cup semi-final in 1966, 1990, 2015

Not only did the win secure England women their place in a World Cup semi-final for the first time, but they also became only the third senior England side to reach the last four of a World Cup.

"They are history-makers again, the third ever England team to get to a semi-final," beamed manager Mark Sampson after the win.

"We now join the 1966 and the 1990 club, and I'm very proud of the whole group."

Celebrate with selfies? Standard

There were selfies in the dressing room...

...and with the fans in the stands

...and our pundits joined in too

Nothing like catching the BBC Sport pundits off-guard when they're watching England...

Ever the professionals in front of the camera, but even our pundits couldn't help but get carried away when England scored.

'I'm sorry Canada'

Canada coach John Herdman was raised in County Durham before leaving to coach in New Zealand 12 years ago

Finally, an honourable mention for John Herdman.

Canada's English coach, fighting back tears, provided an honest and emotional interview after his side's defeat, apologising to a nation for Canada's exit.

"Canada we've given you our best, and it just wasn't good enough. We are gutted, absolutely gutted," he said.

It is certainly worth a watch, because words alone don't do it justice.