JODIE TAYLOR struck to book the Lionesses a Euros semi-final berth with their first victory over France since 1974.
Lucy Bronze picked out golden boot leader Taylor who rifled home her fifth goal of the tournament in Deventer, Holland.
It was England’s first win over the French in a competitive tournament.
The sides were evenly matched from kick-off in a scrappy affair. England began to make inroads in the 20th minute, with right-back Bronze surging forward before winning a free-kick in a promising position.
Jordan Nobbs took the kick and found Mille Bright brilliantly at the far post, with the Chelsea defender heading wide.
But it remained 0-0 after a tense half of few clear-cut chances.
France nearly went in front in the 54th minute when Eugenie le Sommer rose above Bronze but directed her header just wide.
And Taylor grabbed the winner on the hour when she fired in from the right – ‘keeper Sarah Bouhaddi managed to get a hand to it but failed to stop the ball going over the line.
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Keeper Karen Bardsley was then grateful to gather the ball after a scramble in England’s six-yard box, taking a knock in the process that later saw her replaced by Siobhan Chamberlain in the 74th minute.
But France offered little to test Chamberlain thanks to resolute England defending and Mark Sampson’s side roared through to Thursday’s semi-final clash with hosts Holland in Enschede.
Holders Germany will not claim a seventh successive title after they were earlier knocked out by Denmark, who face surprise package Austria in the other last-four tie.
England captain Steph Houghton said: “We wanted to be in the semi-finals of a European Championship and we’ve done that. It’s been a long time coming beating France.
“We knew France are a very technical team and have some world-class players but we pride ourselves on clean sheets and we put our bodies on the line.
“That’s what we’re about, resilience. Thankfully Jodie took that goal and we knew we couldn’t get broken down.
“It’s a huge game now and the Netherlands are a very good team and we’ll look forward to that but enjoy tonight and get back to the training ground tomorrow.”
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