The United States have announced that Megan Rapinoe suffered a hamstring injury in the build up to their World Cup semi-final win over England.

There was an air of mystery surrounding why the 33-year-old was omitted from the starting line-up with manager Jill Ellis revealing that she would address the issue after the match.

However, it was confirmed that it was an injury that sidelined Rapinoe as the USA booked their place in Sunday's final without one of their key players.

Megan Rapinoe was omitted from United States' starting XI for the World Cup semi-final

Rapinoe said the injury should not keep her sidelined for long and she was hopeful of being fit for the final against the winners of Wednesday's semi between the Netherlands and Sweden.

'It's just a little minor strain,' said the 33-year-old winger.

'It is day to day but I feel like I'll be ready for the final. It's hard, three days on the bounce with this old body,' she said with a smile.

'When you're on the bench you just need to be hype for the team, give those little tidbits but really just that energy; it helps so much.'

Rapinoe has two goals in each of the last two games for the United States and five for the tournament.

Rapinoe didn't take part in pre-game warm-up after it was revealed she had a hamstring injury

Rapinoe (centre) walks off the pitch after the warm-ups to take her place on the sidelines

Christen Press deservedly headed USA in front after 10 minutes, but Ellen White's sixth goal of the campaign pulled England level.

Alex Morgan then matched White in the race for the Golden Boot with the goal that restored the US advantage in the 31st minute, before the England forward had a second-half effort disallowed on a marginal offside call after VAR was consulted.

England were then the beneficiaries of a second VAR intervention, when White was awarded a penalty after Becky Sauerbrunn made contact with her trailing leg in the box.

However, captain Houghton - on spot-kick duty after Nikita Parris missed England's last two - produced a poor effort from 12 yards, with Alyssa Naeher making the save low to her right.

The US will now be back at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday