England beat Canada - as it happened

1. Taylor puts England ahead with low drive
2. Bronze with header for second
3. GK error for Canada goal
4. England face Japan in last four

Can they go all the way?

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First knockout-stage win at a Women's World Cup? Check. 

First time progressing beyond the quarter-finals? Check. 

First World Cup final appearance? Why not? 

England take on Japan in the semi-finals at midnight on Wednesday and, after the drama, tension and entertainment they've served up so far, you surely won't want to miss it.

Time for me to get some sleep so until then, see you later!

Yeeeeeeeessssss we've done it!!! Nerves are shredded, fantastic stuff the Lionesses, Love ya?

Nick Cunliffe from Warrington

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'We want to inspire a nation'

The fact we went 2-0 up early allowed us to settle down. It was bitterly disappointing to conceded before half time but it is a dreams come true scenario. It was 55,000 people inside the stadium against 23 players and staff. We fought for the shirt to the very end. We limited Canada's chances and we are delighted. It is a massive thing for English football. The women's game is changing and we knew this was a history-making game. We want to inspire a nation, inspire young girls to go and play football. We hope they were allowed to stay up and watch us!

England captain Steph Houghton

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'I can't believe it ended like this'

A very emotional Canada manager has his say...

Canada, we've given you our best but it just wasn't good enough. We wanted to go all the way. We are absolutely gutted. We made mistakes, they caught us on a set-play and an error. I don't think anyone hid from the responsibility. I want to think everyone who supported us. I can't believe it ended like this.

Canada boss John Herdman

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"Amazing if England get past Japan"

It's going to be very difficult against Japan. They keep the ball very well, play 4-4-2, they're very disciplined and open teams up. If England get through that it will be an amazing achievement.

'England can beat Japan'

Sue Smith

Former England forward

England have performed unbelievably. They went for it today. The first half they scored those two goals early on. We call Mark Sampson the tinkerman and all of his tactics have been spot on. They need to keep believing. There is no reason why they can't go on and beat Japan. Yes, they are a fantastic team and play unbelievable football but so can England now.

Big, big test for England on Wednesday (Thursday morning BST), with Japan the reigning world champions and playing some good football in Canada. 

That game kicks off at 00:00 BST, and will be live on BBC One from 23:40 BST.

England into World Cup semi-final

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'They can go all the way!'

Sue Smith

Former England forward

This is absolutely amazing for England. For women's football back home in England, this is such an achievement. This group of girls have the ability to go all the way. We've said that. The game against France wasn't their best performance. Since then they have got better and better. They have got strength in depth and players who come on and do the business. I'm so pleased for these girls.

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'I wanted to make my nation proud'

England goalscorer Jodie Taylor:  "I am about to cry. It is amazing. Making history with England has been my goal for four or five years. 

"My goal? I remember the other girl slipping and I hit it and it went in. I am pretty tired now. I was feeling it for sure in the last 10 minutes, I just wanted to dig deep and make my nation proud. 

 "We all believe in each other, the atmosphere around the squad is amazing."

England into World Cup semi-final

Whether it is men or women, it is simply great to see an England team doing well.

A big moment for England, and the meaning of it clearly gets to Jodie Taylor lets her emotions get the better of her during the post-mach interview. Her words up next...

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'I could not be prouder!'

What a show of resilience and character. We didn't play much football today, Canada were outstanding but this team just won't give in. I don't know where this team found their energy. We got ourselves through and I could not be prouder. Every player run through brick walls for this team. We had to get to levels we have never been before. It was a do or die game and we came out on top.

England boss Mark Sampson

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Up next for England is Japan in the semi-final on Wednesday. They'd never won a World Cup knockout game before this tournament, now they have won two in a row. Could they go all the way...?

Really enjoyed that, a great team performance from England.

John,Kent

Absolutely brilliant. England took the initiative and looked brighter in the first half and the second half was about showing their steely determination. This is massive for the women's game. This was about getting the job done and they have done that. We have always have good ties with Canada but England had the belief. They have done it on the big stage when it matters.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

When has it ever been easy for England? 

Mark Sampson's players are dancing on the pitch, Canada's are in tears. Elation and dejection.

FULL-TIME

Reuters

ENGLAND ARE THROUGH TO THE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS

Reuters

Lauren Sesselman sends the ball long into the England area, Siobhan Chamberlain is quick off her line and the chance is gone for Canada. Time is almost up!

...Steph Houghton takes the free-kick but lifts it way over. Canada fans have their heads in their hands. Time is running out for the hosts. England are on the verge of making history.

SUBSTITUTION

Lauren Sesselmann tussles with Jodie Taylor midway inside the Canada half and England have a free-kick.

Casey Stoney comes on for Karen Carney and England can take the set piece...

FIVE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME

The 90 minutes are up and the use of capital letters in the headline says it all. 

Can England hold on?

...Sophie Schmidt takes it and finds Christine Sinclair, who can't direct her header on target. 

How's your nerves?

The decibel levels have gone up as Canada win a corner...

A deep cross is headed away by Claire Rafferty, but only to Sophie Shmidt. Cheers of encouragement go up as she wriggles through a crowd of players, a foot goes in but Canada get the ball again through Schmidt, who shoots, Siobhan Chamberlain saves.

FIVE MINUTES TO GO

Pressure released on the England defence as Mark Sampson's side wins a free-kick in their own half. Steph Houghton thumps the ball long.

Hanging on...

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Nervous, nervous times in the England defence as Adriana Leon runs at Steph Houghton, brushes her off and is about to shoot when Claire Rafferty gets across to thump behind. Then, Sophie Schmidt smashes a shot just over.

TEN MINUTES TO GO

Jill Scott has dropped back into a more defensive role following Ellen White's introduction. All about closing this one out now.

Ten minutes for England to hold on...

England manager Mark Sampson has shown he can take anyone off and not give any player too much respect in this team.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

SUBSTITUTION

The final change for Canada as midfielder Kaylyn Kyle replaces Desiree Scott. England boss Mark Sampson then makes his first change as Ellen White is on for Fara Williams.

Karen Carney is fouled a few yards outside of the area, a great position for a free-kick. Captain Steph Houghton is over it, she gets the ball over the wall but it is straight at Erin McLeod.

Ah yes, there it is. That all-too-familiar nervous feeling as England try to cling on to a narrow lead. 

A quarter-of-a-century since a senior England side last reached a World Cup semi-final, surely we're not in for more disappointment?

England have a free-kick, which Fara Williams sends into the area, but too close to Erin McLeod.

'Agitated England?'

England look agitated as mistakes start to creep in. The home supporters are growing in confidence and are quick to boo England whenever is gets a bit aggressive."

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place

SUBSTITUTION

Adriana Leon does indeed come on, Melissa Tancredi the player to make way.

Looks like John Herdman is about to throw on another striker. He is chatting with Adriana Leon. Despite all their possession, Canada have not actually made Siobhan Chamberlain work since coming on.

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Just over 20 minutes left for England to make history and reach the semi-finals. 

Mark Sampson has made some astute substitutions at this tournament, and he could probably do with pulling some out of the bag again now. England are looking a little tired and more than a little nervy. 

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England have to sharpen up at the back and stop making little errors. Just get the ball away when it is near their back line. We have not pressed and not going for the second balls. Canada are getting so much time on the ball and not disrupting their play like we were in the first half.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

YELLOW CARD

Jade Moore gives away a free-kick on the edge of the England area after a foul, picking up the game's first yellow card. It is shooting territory for Christine Sinclair, but she curls the ball over.

SUBSTITUTION

A change for Canada as midfielder Diana Matheson replaces Rhian Wilkinson.

England just want too much time on the ball. At the back, just put your foot through it. Defender Steph Houghton just switched off there.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

I spoke too soon. Panic in the England defence as Melissa Tancredi has the ball, no-one puts a foot in and she looks certain to shoot but inexplicably dithers too long and finally someone takes control and clears.

It is not just Siobhan Chamberlain's first game at this World Cup, apparently it is her first at any World Cup.

At the moment, her colleagues are doing a solid job of keeping Canada away from the England area.

In at the deep end

'Get me a nine-holer in Burton...'

Wonder if the women are demanding a golf course? unlikely! They just do their country proud and actually show up.

Mitch, Newcastle

There's another big mistake in this isn't there? 

From the corner, Canada cannot clear and the ball eventually falls to Steph Houghton, but her shot is charged down. All very tense now.

GREAT SAVE!

Reuters

Superb save! Sophie Schmidt gives the ball away to Karen Carney and she runs into the area. She looks a little unsure what to do next, before playing it short to Jodie Taylor, who shoots and Erin McLeod produces a stunning one-handed save to push the ball behind. Top stuff.

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Siobhan Chamberlain has not played much this season but she will need her two centre halves talking to her and encourage her. Her heart rate will have skipped a few hundred beats quicker. You do, as a substitute, always think about being needed on the pitch. You have to be mindful of the game in case you are required.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

SUBSTITUTION

Siobhan Chamberlain has barely had time to warm up but she is on now for Karen Bardsley and straight in at the deep end. Never straightforward with England is it?

What's happened here? England keeper Karen Bardsley is down on the ground, indicating a problem with her eye. She can't continue, it is quickly swelling up, and Siobhan Chamberlain is going to have to come on here.

Good, positive start to the second half by England as Katie Chapman quickly feeds a pass to Karen Carney, who lets fly with a shot from 30 yards that lands on the roof of the net.

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Serious thought; with the women's game being introduced into Fifa 16 - the Lionesses have put forward a more convincing case to be the cover girls over any male player. I'd go with Lucy Bronze!

Elliot, Manchester

England have gone too negative since 2-0. Need to get more support to Taylor like the 1st 20 mins

Mark, Westmoor

England have to approach the second half just like the first. They need to take the initiative and the game to Canada. They needs to stay composed at the back and retain the ball a bit better. Jodie Taylor just needs a little bit more support, but having just come back from rehab, I would be surprised if she plays the whole match.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

If England keep a clean sheet in the second half then they're through. I'm sure the manager will have mentioned that at half-time.

KICK-OFF

Canada get us back under way. A massive 45 minutes for both sides...

Not long until the second half gets under way. If you missed any of the goals in the first half, you can watch them now via the highlights tab at the top of this page.

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John Herdman will be telling his Canada players to keep on doing what they're doing. They have matched England in every department apart from the boxes."

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair

I wonder if the Canada keeper was struggling with the sun. Hopefully, the sun will go down for the second half when England will be at that end.

Rachel YankeyFormer England international

'Stay positive'

England manager Mark Sampson has just got to pick up morale again and make sure we go out with a positive attitude. We are still winning. Jodie Taylor's link-up play has been excellent.

Rachel Yankey

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Nothing like catching the pundits off-guard when they're watching England. Follow BBC Sport on Twitter for more behind the scenes videos.

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'She had to hold that cross'

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper

It was the perfect time for Canada to score but Karen Bardsley will be massively disappointed. She tries to command her area but she's got to hold that kind of cross. End of.

It was a great finish by Jodie Taylor. It calmed England down. Mark Sampson will be very happy with the second goal - it was one from the training ground.

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair on BBC One

England started fantastically. That is the England we wanted to see. They attacked in numbers. Jodie Taylor held the ball up well and brought others into the play.

Rachel YankeyFormer England international

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Bardsley's mixed bag

Karen Bardsley's mixed tournament continues. Great saves against Norway in last round, and Colombia in the group stages, but that error adds to a similar one she made in the 2-1 win over Mexico.

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place

England could have been 3-0 up at one point but Canada stayed in contention, it gives the crowd something to cling on to. They can go in at the break and settle down. England will be pleased at how they have started and will want to keep the momentum going.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

HALF-TIME

Wow. Half-time already? An entertaining half of football but a tale of two mistakes, Lauren Sesselmann for Canada and Karen Bardsley for England.

One minute of stoppage time, and England will welcome the break. Canada are just about gaining the upper hand now.

Canada worked a good opening, but goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has to hold that cross. She spilled the ball into the path of striker Christine Sinclair and she was not going to miss from there. An ideal time for Canada to get back into the game. You only need to make one mistake and a team can punish you. When a goalkeeper makes it, it is highlighted.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

GOAL

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Ah, bad time to concede for England, and a terrible mistake by Karen Bardsley in the England goal.

Canada build well and Ashley Lawrence has the ball just outside the area, she twirls around her marker and curls towards the near post. It looks an easy save for Bardsley, but she spills it to the feet of Christine Sinclair, who stabs in. No missing that one.

Karen Carney is robbed of the ball by Sophie Schmidt and the Canada fans sense a chance. Schmidt seems a little unsure of herself and launches the ball high into the area and straight into Karen Bardsley's hands.

Now that England have the lead, they wouldn't want half time because they want to keep the momentum going, but it will give them an opportunity to get their breath back and for manager Mark Sampson to get some key messages across

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

'Canada short of inspiration'

Let's go Canada' cheer the home supporters in an attempt to breathe life into their team. John Herdman is willing his side forward, but other than Christine Sinclair, they look short on inspiration.

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place

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Canada are dominating possession but England are staying disciplined. The Canadians have had more shots on goal, with five, but none of those on target.

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Canada's pace and intention to take defenders on is there to be seen. Striker Christine Sinclair is a real danger in the air. England's Lucy Bronze needs to get closer to her when she is out wide.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

Jill Scott flicks a cross behind for a corner, Sophie Schmidt sends the ball in but superb from Katie Chapman, who leaps highest to head away. England will need that kind of confident leadership in defence, Canada will surely press at some stage.

Taylor made

You can now see the video of Jodie Taylor's opening goal by clicking on the highlights tab above.

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Better from Canada as Josee Belanger speeds down the right before crossing for Christine Sinclair. She makes contact, but can't get the direction and her header goes wide. It resulted in the first cheers of encouragement from a stunned home crowd though.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Katie Chapman loops a header from a free-kick onto the top of the bar. You know what, England could get a third here. Canada are all over the place.

My Twitter timeline is just full of people talking about this game and apparently there is a big screen at Glastonbury. Big.

Back to what's happening on the pitch, or more like what is not happening as far as Canada are concerned. Again England come forward, Jodie Taylor holding up superbly before feeding the ball to Lucy Bronze. She crosses towards the box and Jill Scott flicks the ball on, but she can't find a team-mate.

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England are not sitting back, they are taking the initiative and the game to Canada. The believe they can play their own game and can beat the opposition

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

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Lauren Sesselmann is having an absolute shocker so far. Jodie Taylor has been tirelessly chasing down players in possession and now it is Sesselmann's turn. She panics, skewing her clearance out for an England corner. Fara Williams sends it deep, but Canada clear.

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'The stadium has gone silent'

This stadium has gone silent. Canadian fans are dumbstruck by two England goals in three minutes. Wry smile from Canada boss John Herdman, very soft goals to concede by the hosts.

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place

Melissa Tancredi and Christine Sinclair is who you need your best headerers on. Tancredi should really be hitting the target again though.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

CLOSE!

What will Canada's response be? A long way to go, but that has to have shocked them. 

They are on the attack now, winning a free-kick on left. Sophie Schmidt takes it, firing the ball straight into the area and to the towering figure of Melissa Tancredi, who powers a header just over. England need to watch their marking.

Fourth time the charm?

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Before the World Cup was increased to 24 teams, England have not had much luck at the quarter-final stage in the past. They lost on penalties to France in 2011 at the quarter-final stage, 3-0 to the USA in 2007 and 3-0 to Germany in 1995. 

This year to be different? It is looking like it might just be...

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Canada coach John Herdman has a smile but he does not know what has hit him. Lucy Bronze just looped it over the goalkeeper.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

GOAL

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Amazing scenes! A free-kick is sent from midway inside the Canada half and towards the far post, where Lucy Bronze peels away from her marker and heads in off the underside of the bar.

Canada's players immediately gather into a huddle. They need to get it together!

Unbelievable. Lauren Sesselmann is the weak link at the back. She still had plenty to do but it was such a authoritative strike. England lead so early on. They should let Sesselmann have the ball at the back because - at some stage - you are going to get it back.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

GOAL

Reuters

What a moment for England! A terrible mistake from Canada's Lauren Sesselmann,who swipes badly at the ball when in no danger, misses and falls over, Jodie Taylor pounces and races goalwards, keeping her cool to beat  defenders and finishes coolly.

Against the run of play, but what do England care!

It was great play from Canada striker Christine Sinclair. Melissa Tancredi really needs to make the goalkeeper work from there.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

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Brilliant from Canada and England can count themselves a little lucky to escape there! 

The chance comes after initial good work from Karen Carney, who jinks her way between two players in the Canada area, but doesn't get any further and Canada immediately clear the ball up field.

Christine Sinclair picks up the ball, cutting in from the right and sending a long, searching pass to Mellissa Tancredi, who wrongfoots her marker but shoots over. Unlucky.

Vote result

Reuters

We've been asking you how far England will get in the World Cup and it seems you're not feeling too confident, with 29.8% of you saying they will exit at the quarter-final stage. So tonight.

Mind you, 19.6% of you think they'll win the World Cup.

Thanks for voting.

Canada striker Christine Sinclair is on the right hand side of Canada's front three, she normally is on the left. Does that mean they think they can get at Claire Rafferty, who is rather inexperienced?

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place: "Looks like Jade Moore is sitting deep in midfield alongside Fara Williams with Katie Chapman playing in front of them. England haven't really settled on ball as yet."

England are starting this game with the formation they finished against Norway in the last-16 - 4-3-2-1. Their start is a little reminiscent of how they started against the Norwegians, though, a little wasteful on the ball with wayward passing.

Canada are snapping at England from the outset as Laura Bassett shepherds the ball back to keeper Karen Bardsley. She then hits her clearing kick straight at a Canada player. Early sign of nerves?

It certainly will be emotional. The next 90 minutes will be electrifying for the players. They just have to go out there and believe in themselves. I think they know they can win this if they play to their potential. They shouldn't be afraid of Canada. There is no pressure, just go out and express yourself.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

KICK-OFF

Will England be celebrating a historic moment in a couple of hours, or commiserating another early exit at a tournament?

The Lionesses get us under way.

Great passion from the England players in the national anthem singing, edging Canada by my reckoning. 

Still, it is all about what happens on the pitch. Almost time for kick-off.

"England have a great chance"

Former England winger Trevor Sinclair, speaking on BBC One:  "England have improved as the tournament has gone on. The way they have started games has improved. Canada get a lot of clean sheets but if England can start well then they have a great chance."

So Laura Bassett starts, despite limping a bit during the warm-up. Jodie Taylor and Jill Scott are rewarded for their influence against Norway with a start, will they have the same impact today?

England skipper Steph Houghton reads out the Fifa Fair Play message. Silence. Canada's Christine Sinclair steps out to read the same message and huge cheers erupt around the stadium. Deafening.

Wow. It is just a sea of red in the stands at BC Place. An intimidating atmosphere but the England players look relaxed as they walk out of the tunnel. 

Almost time for kick-off but first the anthems.

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EPA

Don't end the night wishing we wished we has gone for it more....go for it England!! The nation is behind you

Kristian in Manchester

Come on the girls! CONCENTRATE PLEASE. Seen a few too many lapses. They'll do us if we're not careful.

MNG

This is how certain I am that we're going to win today: tomorrow I am leading Sunday School at my church; this means an early start and yet I am still staying up to watch the match... C'mon England!!! Let's get some goals!

Matt

Penalty shootout alert!

Ooooh penalties over in the Copa America quarter-final between Brazil and Paraguay, 1-1 after 90 minutes. 

We've got live text commentary on that game so you can pop on over to follow the shootout, before the action gets under way here.

Line-ups

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan in Vancouver: “England boss Mark Sampson deems Jodie Taylor fit enough to make her first World Cup start, just nine weeks after knee surgery. Jill Scott is also rewarded for her game-changing display in the last round against Norway. Toni Duggan and Fran Kirby make way.

"Canada name the same team that beat Switzerland in the last-16. Captain and record goalscorer Christine Sinclair has been a thorn in England’s side previously but has only one goal so far this tournament. Also watch out for Sophie Schmidt, who scored a pearler in the 1-0 friendly win between the two teams pre-World Cup."

England XI: Bardsley, Bronze, Houghton, Bassett, Rafferty, Williams, Chapman, J Scott, Moore, Carney, Taylor

Canada XI: McLeod, Wilkinson, Buchanan, Sesselmann, Chapman; Lawrence, Scott, Schmidt, Tancredi, Belanger, Sinclair

EPA

Canada boss John Herdman is very passionate and organised. This is a massive game and he is playing against his birth country.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

'Show the lads how it's done'

Another good luck message from Rio Ferdinand. Two for one game - that's how big it is.

"Looking forward to seeing you go on. Get to the semis please. Embarrass the lads, show them how it’s done. Destroy the Canadians please. 2-0. Lovely jubbly."

World Cup win 'would change lives'

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England forward Eniola Aluko is writing a regular column for the BBC Sport throughout the Women's World Cup, and she has penned her latest piece.

"In England, I think we are sometimes guilty of praising something for a week and then forgetting about it. It's certainly happened in my time with England.

"The Premier League will start again in August and a quarter-final or semi-final exit could become old news. The one thing that will definitely stick in history forever and change people's lives is winning the tournament."

Send in your support to #golionesses

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place: "England faced a pretty hostile atmosphere when they played Colombia in their last group game in Montreal, but they won't have experienced anything like the roar at BC Place. Among them is Travis (he's the one painted red), who is predicting a one-goal win for the hosts. And the reason for his Arsenal shirt? 'They play the sexiest football on the planet'"

BBC Sport

It's going to be a tough game for us, with 55,000 partizan fans screaming at them. England need a big performance but we are ready. This is a "no tomorrow" game.

Mark SampsonEngland manager

Some odd pre-match shenanigans. Jordan Nobbs apparently posted on social media that she is injured and potentially out of the World Cup. The message has since been deleted and England boss Mark Sampson just said on BBC One that her being out was news to him.

The midfielder is on the bench today.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Former England goalkeeper

Canada are the one-goal differential specialists. They don't score many but they are hard to beat too. Both sides are evenly matched.

Hope for an early(ish) night?

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For those of you watching the game or following this live text where it is the middle of the night, then some hope for your tired eyes - there has never been a draw between these two sides...

...extra-time and penalties it is then?

Bad news for England?

Laura Bassett has gone down the tunnel after going down in the warm-up. Casey Stoney - with her experience - is the best player to replace her should she not be able to play.

Faye WhiteFormer England defender on BBC Radio 5 live

BBC coverage

We are LIVE now on BBC One, on BBC Radio 5 live and online (top of this page). Just over 20 minutes until kick-off. Almost time!

BBC

Now this is the kind of financial prudence I could get on board with!

Royal support

BBC

Prince William met the England team before they left for Canada

As president of the FA, I am delighted that women's football has become such a central part of our daily work across the country. The senior England team are the pinnacle of this and I am sure all football fans will join me in hoping they do well.

Prince WilliamFA president

A family divided tonight, Canadian wife cheering Canada and I'm for the 3 lions, come on England.

JR

Just celebrated 21 years of being married to my Canadian wife (Kim). Not often our countries meet in such a high profile match - at least one of us can look forward to the semi-finals!

Anon

Remember to put names on texts please.

BBC World Service presenter Sarah Mulkerrins is soaking up the atmosphere in Vancouver.

Canadian former sprinter Donovan Bailey is kitted up and ready for the game.

Goals to be in short supply?

BBC Sport’s Alistair Magowan at BC Place: "Plenty of people are predicting a tight game between England and Canada and when you look at recent history you can understand why. 

"The last two matches between them were 1-0 for either side, and although Canada have not conceded more than once in 15 matches, 10 of their last 11 wins have come via a single goal."

England's Olympic motivation

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Canada won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, having beaten Great Britain 2-0 in the quarter-finals, with many of the current England squad involved.

GB flopped in that match at Coventry after beating Brazil in front of a record 70,000 crowd at Wembley and Sampson, 32, says host status could have a similar effect on the current Canadian team.

"They've put their lives on hold for this tournament but we're excited by the challenge and our squad is ready to take on the Canadian nation," he said.

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BBC reporter Katie Gornall in Vancouver: "These two teams know each other very well - this will be the fourth time in 18 months they have played each other. 

"England will have to overcome a very intense atmosphere but will hope to spoil the party and reach the semi-finals for the first time."

Those squares are smilies, by the way, and we had a chuckle too Trev!

A message from Rio

BBC

Right about now, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will be bopping along to a bit of Kanye West at Glastonbury but before that, and before tucking into a big fry up, he took time out to post a video message wishing England luck.

"I do believe you will win," he said. "Confidence is key, play to your strengths and good luck."

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The Englishman aiming to break English hearts

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The vast majority of England will be cheering on the Lionesses tonight, but there will probably be a pocket of fans up in the north-east hoping Canada, and more specifically John Herdman, get a win tonight. 

Canada coach Herdman is an Englishman who was raised in County Durham before leaving to work in New Zealand 12 years ago, but he has not forgotten his roots. 

"I'm Geordie first and foremost," he said. "We've got our own little Geordie nation up in the north-east of England - and then I'm Canadian second. This is my country, this is my place." 

Read more about Herdman here.

Winners will face Japan

BBC

The winners of this tie will face Japan in the semi-finals after the defending world champions edged Australia 1-0 in a disappointing game in Edmonton. 

Substitute Mana Iwabuchi was the heroine for Japan, stroking in from close range with three minutes remaining after Azusa Iwashimizu's shot was blocked.

Japan have won all five games at this tournament.

Alan expects

Team news

BBC

The teams are in! Has Mark Sampson made changes once again? Of course he has. Jodie Taylor and Jill Scott come in, Fran Kirby and Toni Duggan, despite that message of support just now, drop out of the first XI. 

I believe that means Sampson has not named the same side two games running at the tournament. Still, what they lack in cohesion they'll make up for in freshness.

England XI: Bardsley, Rafferty, Williams, Houghton, Bassett, Scott, Carney, Moore, Bronze, Chapman, Taylor.

Canada XI: McLeod, Buchanan, Wilkinson, Belanger, Sesselmann, Scott, Sinclair, Schmidt, Tancredi, Chapman, Lawrence. 

'We'll give England hell'

BBC

What would a massive game be without some pre-match war of words, eh?

"We're looking forward to getting out there and giving England hell," said Canada coach John Herdman.

That was in response to England boss Mark Sampson calling Canada "the most aggressive team at the tournament". 

"Whether they're overly aggressive is open to interpretation," he added. "We're all up for that fight, without a shadow of a doubt." 

Spicy.

Get Involved

BBC

The Wembley arch is red and white as the national stadium displays its support for England. 

Got a good luck message for the team? Then tweet it to #golionesses and also send us your photos showing your support!

Wilshere's watching

BBC Coverage

BBC

Coverage of this match starts on BBC One at 00:00 BST, as former England international Trevor Sinclair, former England goalkeeper Rachel-Brown Finnis and former England midfielder Rachel Yankey on punditry duty. 

BBC Radio 5 live coverage starts at 00:00 BST, with former England international Faye White providing expert analysis on the match. Commentary then begins at 00:30 BST.

Vote time

Right then, we are running a vote right now and want to know how far you think England can go in the Women's World Cup?

If you are on desktop, you can make your choice on the right side of this page, mobile and app users click on the 'Vote' tab.

The vote closes at 00:25 BST, check terms and conditions.

Temperature's rising

It is bright and hot in Vancouver, venue for this quarter-final fixture. Temperatures are apparently around 30C pitchside. Hot, hot, hot.

BBC

This is a massive night for the England's women's team. Fresh from securing their first ever knockout win, Mark Sampson's side have the chance to make history again.

Win tonight and they will secure their place in the Women's World Cup semi-finals for the first time. 

The only thing stopping them? Just the tournament hosts and about 50,000 passionate home fans...

History in the making?

When England embarked on that magical run to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup, it captured the imagination of a nation and remains a tournament fondly remembered by fans to this day.

Getty Images

England reached the 1990 World Cup semi-finals. No Three Lions senior team has gone that far since.

In World Cup terms, that has pretty much been as good as it has got in the last 25 years. The fact that the men's senior team has not won a tournament knockout game in nine years just highlights a depressing period of underachievement.

Getty Images

Thankfully we we have their female counterparts, and they could well end the Three Lions' long run of early World Cup exits tonight...