
The US team have dropped their captain Megan Rapinoe in a shock move ahead of tonight's World Cup semi-final clash against England - as Prince William and Holly Willoughby led celebrities sending good luck messages to the Lionesses on social media.

US head coach Jill Ellis has insisted that the move was not made for any disciplinary reasons, although she did not rule out the possibility of an injury.

The Stade du Lyon is thronging with thousands of supporters ahead of the 8pm kick-off, as another 10million England fans prepare to watch the action back home on BBC1.

Much like the players themselves, the United States women's soccer team fans were not lacking confidence ahead of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final matchup with England in Lyon.

'We're going to smash it!' declared U.S. supporter Laurie in sunny Lyon on Tuesday, hours before kickoff.

Phil Neville's team suffered a late blow when goalkeeper Karen Bardsley was ruled out with a reported hamstring injury and Carly Telford had to be drafted in.

Prince William joined a host of sport and TV stars in wishing England good luck as the players prepared for the game by posting a series of motivational posts on social media.

In a video message William said: 'I'm really looking forward to tonight. Millions of people are watching. Good luck girls. You showed great quality throughout the tournament. Come on England.'

It came after striker Toni Duggan wrote: 'Waiting for kick off...Games don't come much bigger than this, World Cup semi final. COME ON ENGLAND.'

England star Raheem Sterling and former England captain Steven Gerrard also sent their best wishes to the Lionesses.

Viewing figures for the match, which is being shown live on BBC One, is expected to eclipse the 7.6million who tuned in for the quarter final win against Norway, as fans watch at home or pack out pubs and bars across the country.

Victory would make them the first England team since 1966 to reach the final of a World Cup, and it would smash their semi final hoodoo having been beaten at the same stage of the 2015 tournament and Euro 2017.

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England players were seen warming up on the pitch at the Stade du Lyon, which is already thronging with thousands of supporters - as another 10million prepare to watch the action back home on BBC1

America's star player, the midfielder Megan Rapinoe, gestures to supporters inside the stadium, where she won't be starting tonight and didn't warm up

Members of the England team carry their luggage onto the bus before the journey to the Stade du Lyon - which has a capacity of nearly 60,000

The Lionesses leaving their hotel on the way to the stadium in Lyon, where they face an uphill battle to defeat their opponents

Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling wished England good luck ahead of their Women's World Cup semi-final in videos posted on social media

Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby were among those wishing the Lionesses support for their clash with the USA

Earlier Manchester City star Sterling uploaded a short video on social media and told them: 'I just want to wish the Lionesses a massive good luck. Everyone is behind you.

'You've been doing fantastic so far and you're doing the country proud. Just keep going, keep believing and keep the dream alive.'

Meanwhile, the father of England striker Jodie Taylor talked today of how he will have to hold back the tears if England win through to the final.

Mr Taylor, 63, from Liverpool, told MailOnline: ‘Win or lose, i’ll be in tears.

‘I am so proud of Jodie and all the team. They have played so well and deserve to be in this semi-final on absolute merit.

‘I am the proudest father in the world tonight. She’s scored the winner against Argentina and she can do it again tonight. Come on England. ‘

England Goalkeeper Carly Telford posted an image of her in training with the caption: 'SEMI FINAL READY' and striker Beth Mead wrote: 'Today is the day...SEMI FINAL DAY! Let's go team!'

Forward Fran Kirby posted an image of her ahead of their semi final in 2015 and her today. She wrote: '2015 semi-final ready VS 2019 semi-final ready'

England and US fans inside the 60,000-capacity Stade du Lyon before tonight's clash, which will be watched by millions on TV

Shirts belonging to England players including Telford, Williamson and McManus hang inside the dressing room prior to kick-off

An England fan sporting St George's Cross face paint and holding a flag gears up for the big game at the Stade du Lyon

US supporters inside the stadium. A national police source in Paris of the fans said: 'There certainly seems to be a lot more American supporters around than English ones'

US forward Alex Morgan (seen getting off the team bus) had earlier posted an abbreviation of 'let's f****** go' as she rallied fans before kick-off

England's Rachel Daly gets off the team bus at the Stade du Lyon, where her team face an uphill battle to beat the tournament favourites

Midfielder Jill Scott uploaded an image of her as a youngster, wit the words: 'Who's excited for the semi final tomorrow! Little Jill is' and striker Nikita Paris wrote in a social media post yesterday: 'Massive game tomorrow! Ready to put everything on the line.'

Striker Toni Duggan posted an image of her with her mother, with the caption: 'There she is.. My little diamond of a Mum..being my best fan like always.'

Ex England goalkeeper Peter Shilton was one of the many getting behind the team on social media, and wrote: 'Come on Lionesses you can do this! Good luck for tonight.'

Ray Clemence, former Liverpool and England goalkeeper wrote: 'Good luck to the Lionesses today' and Olympic gold medal winning hockey player Samantha Quek said: 'Let's go Lionesses!'

Former Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard, who now manages Rangers, said: 'Congratulations on getting to as semi final. You have all done fantastically well

'All the best in the semi final. You have got everyone dreaming back home, the excitement levels are growing, best of luck.

'Go and grab it and bring it home.'

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan said: 'The school run done with my 9 yr old daughter and 13 yr old lad talking all the way to school about whether England can beat the USA tonight...

'This World Cup has grabbed a brand new audience ... Now WIN it @Lionesses.'

Tory leadership contender Jeremy Hunt tweeted: 'Proudly flying the St George's cross above @foreignoffice today in support of our semi-final heroines - behind you all the way.

'We'll put our friendly relations with the US on hold for 90 minutes.'

Striker Toni Duggan (left) took to Twitter just hours before kick off to build up the match, while Man Utd's Abbie McManus shared a picture of the team embracing each other as she put out a battle cry of 'Lets be having you'

Goalkeeper Carly Telford posted an image of her in training with the caption: 'SEMI FINAL READY' (left). Meanwhile, Jodie Taylor posted a picture of herself scoring earlier in the tournament against Argentina

Striker Beth Mead wrote: 'Today is the day...SEMI FINAL DAY! Let's go team!' (left). Rachel Daly uploaded a picture of her in training as she said #BeReady

Forward Fran Kirby posted an image of her ahead of their semi final in 2015 and her today. She wrote: '2015 semi-final ready VS 2019 semi-final ready'

Midfielder Lucy Staniforth and Karen Carney have both posted motivational messages on social media ahead of tonight's game

Defender Alex Greenwood wrote: WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL - READY! Let's go @Lionesses

Striker Nikita Paris wrote in a social media post yesterday: 'Massive game tomorrow! Ready to put everything on the line'

Lionesses Nikita Parris and Jill Scott took to social media ahead of tonight's match. Jill uploaded an image of her as a youngster, withe words: 'Who's excited for the semi final tomorrow! Little Jill is'

A national police source in Paris said: 'There certainly seems to be a lot more American supporters around than English ones

'They are very vocal and enthusiastic, but also extremely well behaved. Very few of them drink alcohol. They are certainly not the kind of football supporters we are used to!'

The USA has sold out stadiums in the Champagne city of Reims and the port of Le Havre so far, as well as in Paris for the quarter-final that saw hosts France knocked out of the competition.

In contrast, the England Lionesses have been drawing reasonable crowds, but nothing like the same number as the Americans.

Many of the USA fans belong to the American Outlaws, a nationwide soccer fan club founded in Nebraska in 2007.

Its 30,000 members belong to 200 ‘chapters’ across the USA and are known for bringing ‘maximum intensity’ to their side’s games.

Meanwhile residents of Kirby Estate in south east London have adorned their homes with hundreds of English flags to show their support for the Lionesses.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps posted this image of her out and about in Lyon with Danish footbaaller Pernille Harder

This image shows Jill Scott with the caption: 'A lioness and her cubs'

Striker Toni Duggan posted an image of her with her mother, with the caption: 'There she is.. My little diamond of a Mum..being my best fan like always

Fan Marie O'Brien tweeted today: 'Massive shout out to the Lionesses. Good luck today ladies the whole country is behind you, so proud to be female and English.

'Now don't let the yanks turn up at the end and steal all the glory'.

Patricia Dooley wrote: 'Putting beer in the fridge so it's ice cold ready for tonight's match. Nerves are kicking in already... come on you Lionesses!'.

USA fans are already threatening to outnumber England supporters at this evening's game, which kicks off at 8pm.

Ticket sales suggested that the majority inside the Groupama Stadium for the evening kick-off would be waving the Star Spangled Banner.

England's Lionesses celebrate after winning the quarter-final against Norway and now face favourites USA tonight in the biggest game for years

Chris Dowse, 40, claimed his is the 'most patriotic' estate in the whole of the UK, having put on displays for St George's Day and England's appearances at football tournaments since 2012.

'We haven't gone full scale like we did last year but I'd still say there was about 150 flags flying for our Lionesses,' said Mr Dowse, who is self-employed.

'The women's game hasn't got as widespread coverage as the men's - if people can see we're doing it for the women as well hopefully it encourages a young girl to go out and kick a football around.'

In extraordinary scenes yesterday England's security staff threw out a suspected spy from their training ground in Lyon - just 24 hours after two members of the USA's backroom staff were discovered in England's hotel.

England's manager Phil Neville has declared that his players cannot contemplate anything other than victory tonight.

But his team will have to beat the favourites, led by star winger Megan Rapinoe, who has scored five goals while also urging her USA teammates to 'think hard' about associating themselves with Donald Trump if they win and are invited to the White House.

The Lionesses will be in the final of the competition for the first time if they can get past the defending champions at Lyon's Groupama Stadium.

As winger Nikita Parris insisted it was ridiculous to suggest the Americans, reigning world champions, might be tougher than England and full back Lucy Bronze said Neville's players were more 'destined' to reach a final than ever, the manager said he senses a breakthrough moment. 'We're at that moment now where it's so close and we've spoken long and hard about this,' Neville said.

'I want my players to realise that we are so close and we have to deliver. We have to.

'There is no upside to defeat. Losing in a semi-final would mean nothing to me. Every single meeting, every single training session, every five-a-side we've had, we've spoken about winning. Winning is the most important thing. It's about winning — that's the mentality we've brought in.'

The Duke of Cambridge joined a host of sport and TV stars in wishing England good luck as the players took to social media with a series of motivational posts

England's security staff threw out a suspected spy from their training ground in Lyon yesterday

Harper Beckham waves alongside her father David in Le Havre with the stadium in Lyon set to be packed for tonight's 8pm kick-off

Back home, England fans celebrate after watching the quarter-final at Glastonbury

Social media is full of excited - and nervous - football fans willing on England to beat the US. BBC host Dan Walker and Tory MP Mims Davies also showed their support

The 42-year-old said that his career at Manchester United as a player and coach had taught him how one trophy can build a belief that brings many more.

'I won the league (against) Middlesbrough and I wore my medal for the next two or three days,' he said, recalling Sir Alex Ferguson's team's 3-0 win in May 1996 which secured them the title.

'I thought, 'I want this again and the best want it again and again'.'

Neville has still not heard from his old mentor Ferguson, who — as a Scot — would be unlikely to offer any support for an England team, even in circumstances such as these.

Meanwhile, US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher rejected Neville's suggestion on Sunday that her team organisers had breached etiquette by scouting the England team's hotel in Lyon as a possible World Cup final base, even while the Lionesses were staying in the resort.

'That has nothing to do with the game,' said Naeher. 'Our managers and operations have scouted out every hotel we've ever stayed in to make sure we've got plan A, plan B, plan C.'

The FA said it had 'absolutely no concerns' about a passer-by who was initially alleged to have been spying on training.

England, who will play in white tonight, have no injury problems, according to Neville.

Residents of Kirby Estate in south east London have adorned their homes with hundreds of English flags to show their support for the Lionesses

Resident Chris Dowse, 40, claimed his is the 'most patriotic' estate in the whole of the UK

Tension is already building ahead of tonight's semi-final match with millions set to watch the game

The manager's selection puzzles are whether to bring the more muscular Jade Moore into midfield in place of Keira Walsh, and choosing between Beth Mead and Toni Duggan.

On the USA side all eyes will be on Megan Rapinoe.

The 33-year-old has become the face of this FIFA Women's World Cup, a lightning rod for dissent and protest, a hate figure and an inspiration.

And, tonight in Lyon, she is let loose on England. If Phil Neville isn't naive enough to have his team focus almost entirely on the threat emanating from the USA's left flank, he'll understand the extra interest in one particular opposition player.

Since that video of Rapinoe rejecting the idea of an invitation to the 'xxxx-ing White House' went viral, the veteran has been thrust forcibly into the spotlight. Well within her comfort zone, as it turns out.

Ben Miller, head of partnerships at the Common Goal foundation that asks footballers to donate one per cent of their earnings to worthy projects around the world, is glowing in his praise of the first woman to sign up.

'When I look for comparisons in history, I think of people like Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali, who used their platform to drive social causes forward,' Miller told Sportsmail.

'Megan is in that bracket. And, having met and worked with her, I can tell you she's just so sweet, so funny, so down to earth.

'She will always choose to do what she believes is the right thing. She is an athlete-activist.

'What first made me aware of her was something she did after winning the World Cup four years ago.

'She was in a really strong position to monetise the situation and, given the disparity between earnings in men's and the women's game, nobody would have blamed her for cashing in.

'But she chose to do something more important. She used her success to encourage girls and boys who were thinking about their sexuality, worried about being different, thinking they were the only one like them in the world.

'She delivered a message to say that being different is fine, in fact it's the most important thing because it makes is unique.'

US star winger Megan Rapinoe celebrates after scoring against France in the quarter final

The USA are the favourites to win the World Cup and are the reigning champions

Trump didn't appreciate Rapinoe expressing her individual preference for doing almost anything other than joining this particular POTUS for a photo shoot. The leader of the free world responded, naturally, with a typically petulant tweet.

Some team-mates have publicly backed Rapinoe — who has accepted Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's invitation to visit the House of Representatives — in her opposition to Trump.

Others have disagreed with her on points of order, while defending her right to speak out.

Mr President's cheerleaders, of course, have rallied behind their man, openly attacking Rapinoe and questioning whether she was even that important to the national team.

The Lionesses' pride! The plus-ones who'll be cheering on England as they kick off their Women's World Cup campaign in France (including a footballer playing for another team!)

From a childhood sweetheart to a fellow sports stars, these are the proud plus-ones who will be cheering on England as they kick off their Women's World Cup campaign this weekend.

A pack of girlfriends, boyfriends and husbands - as well as parents, siblings and friends - is expected to descend on Nice as the Lionesses prepare take on Scotland in their opening match on Sunday night.

Among them is expected to be Stephen Darby, the proud husband of captain Steph Houghton, who announced today he will be jetting out despite being diagnosed with motor neuron disease just months ago.

Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell, 25, who has been in a relationship with Manchester United star Alex Greenwood, 25, for several years, could also be in attendance now that his own football season has ended.

Meanwhile Kristie Mewis, 28, the American girlfriend of defender Rachel Daly, 27, hinted that she was starting the long journey from Houston, where they play for the club.

And Jodie Taylor, 33, won't need to look far to find her girlfriend, for Emma Kete, 31, is on hand to represent her home country of New Zealand in the tournament.

Read on to learn a little more about the England WAGs - and HABs...

RACHEL DALY, 27

Position: Defender

Teammates: Rachel Daly, right, and Kristie Mewis both play for American club Houston Dash

Biggest fan: The photogenic pair often share snaps of each other online, including the one above shared by Kristie. The proud girlfriend hinted she is on her way to France from the US

Style savvy: Kristie, pictured, keeps her followers updated with her fashion forward outfits

Originally from North Yorkshire, Daly currently plays club football for Houston Dash in Texas.

It was there she met girlfriend Kristie Mewis, 28, who is believed to be en route from the US to France to support the Lionesses.

The photogenic pair often share sweet snaps on Instagram, where they boast a combined following of 176,800.

Speaking about her footballing career, Daly said: 'My coach, Mr Sweetman, at Rossett High School in Harrogate had a huge influence on my career. His passion for the game and development of girls' football was and still is amazing.'

MILLIE BRIGHT, 25

Position: Defender

Appreciated: Millie Bright shared this snap of beau Jordan Bird thanking him for his support

Night out: Millie and Jordan, left, on a night out with England goalkeeper Carly Telford, second from right, and her girlfriend, England cricketer Georgia Elwiss

Yorkshire-born Millie Bright overcame childhood illness to become one of the country's best footballers. In 2015 the defender left the Dales to sign with Chelsea.

The 25-year-old is dating Jordan Bird, who works as a First Assistant on the Pam Barton Course Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club.

Every inch the proud boyfriend, Bird frequently posts about his football star girlfriend on his Twitter, recently retweeting a promotional video with the caption: 'Love it. keep smashing it mushy.'

Bright announced she would be staying off social media for the duration of the World Cup.

LUCY STANIFORTH, 26

Position: Midfielder

In France: Girlfriend Laura Wilson, right, has arrived in France to support England star Lucy

Jet set: The couple have travelled around the world together, pictured in a snap in Ibiza

Biggest fans: Lucy, right, will also be supported by her parents as she plays for England

Described by former England manager Mark Sampson as 'one of the best young players in Europe', Staniforth is an attacking midfielder for Birmingham City and England.

She is in a relationship with Laura Wilson, who has jetted out to France to support her girlfriend from the stands.

This World Cup holds special significance for Staniforth and her family as she is playing in memory of her brother Thomas Staniforth, a Sheffied Wednesday footballer who died on a night out in 2001, aged 20.

Staniforth wears the number 37 on her shirt, just like her late brother. Her proud parents are known for travelling the world to watch their daughter play.

STEPH HOUGHTON, 31

Position: Defender

Leader: Possibly the Lionesses' most high profile player, Houghton captains both Manchester City and the England teams. She is supported by proud husband Stephen Darby, pictured

Devoted: Darby is expected to make the journey to France to support his wife as she leads her team in their Wold Cup campaign, despite his motor neuron disease diagnosis

Stunning: The couple married in a beautiful ceremony in June last year, pictured. Darby was given his diagnosis shortly afterwards

Possibly the Lionesses' most high profile player, Houghton captains both Manchester City and the England teams and has received an MBE for her services to football.

She married husband Stephen Darby, a former footballer, in a beautiful ceremony in June last year.

However shortly afterwards the couple were dealt a devastating blow when Darby was diagnosed with motor neuron disease.

Despite his health issues, Darby is expected to make the journey to France to support his wife as she leads her team in their Wold Cup campaign.

Fans will be eagerly waiting to see the supportive husband in the stands as England takes on Scotland in Nice on Sunday evening.

JODIE TAYLOR, 33

Position: Forward

Friendly competition: Jodie Taylor, left, plays for England while Emma Kete, right, will represent her home country of New Zealand at the Women's World Cup

Jet-setters: The couple, pictured in an Instagram snap, both have careers spanning the globe

Jet set Jodie Taylor has travelled around the world with her career, notching up appearances for clubs in Sweden, Australia and the US.

She has recently returned to Seattle's Reign FC following a season on loan to Melbourne City.

For someone with such an international background, it is of little surprise she has found love with someone just as well travelled.

Girlfriend Emma Kete, 31, is a New Zealand footballer who will also be representing her country in France - although fortunately they are not in the same group.

GEORGIA STANWAY, 20

Position: Midfielder

Blossoming romance: Georgia Stanway, 20, appeared to confirm a relationship with Rugby League player Olly Ashall-Bott, 21, when she shared this recent snap on Instagram

The baby of the squad, Stanway has already proved she is a force to be reckoned with as a forward for Manchester City.

She appeared to confirm a blossoming relationship with Rugby League player Olly Ashall-Bott, 21, when she shared this recent snap on Instagram.

While the caption gave little away, Stanway's friends and followers were quick to comment on the 'cute' couple, with fellow footballer Taylor Hinds writing: 'FINALLYYYYYYYY...cuteeee.' Another wrote: 'Awwwww youse cuties.'

Ashall-Bott, who plays for the Widnes Vikings, shared a matching photo, although he told one follower he is simply a fan of Stanway's.

Stanway has impressed since making her Manchester City debut at 16.

This year she scored the second goal as Manchester City defeated West Ham 3-0 in the 2019 SSE Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley.

The talented youngster was awarded the 2019 PFA Young Player of the Year award.

ALEX GREENWOOD, 25

Position: Defender

Double delight: Alex Greenwood, right, is dating Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell, 25. Both players celebrated their teams being promoted this season

Alex Greenwood is from Liverpool but plays at Manchester United. Writing in The Times, teammate Jordan Nobbs said Greenwood is 'very big into her heels, her dresses and her eyelashes'.

She is dating Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell, 25, who she met while at school. The couple have been together for several years but keep a relatively low profile on social media.

Both their teams were promoted this season, giving the couple twice as much reason to celebrate.

Are England being spied on again? Security staff remove onlooker in the bushes watching Lionesses prepare for USA semi-final just one day after hotel row at Women's World Cup

Security staff at England's training base in France had to remove one onlooker who appeared to be spying on their training session ahead of their Women's World Cup semi-final against the United States.

Phil Neville's squad were going through their training routine as normal on Monday morning when staff noticed something unusual in the hillside overlooking their practice pitches.

Security staff were instantly sent to see what was happening and they came across an individual watching the session at their Terrain d'Honneur Lyon base from the bushes.

Security staff at England's training base in France had to remove one onlooker on Monday

An individual wearing a blue jacket and white trousers was captured on film in the bushes

There are fears the individual was watching them train before their World Cup semi-final

Security staff raced over to the individual to see what the nature of their business was

They seemed to be unable to get to the intruder as a fence separated them from reaching him

In footage posted on Twitter by ITV's Steve Scott, two members of Neville's staff can be looking up at the hill.

It then cuts to an individual wearing white trousers and a blue coat stood among the greenery that overlooks the pitches.

A security official rushes off towards the area in which the person is standing in but can't appear to reach them because of a fence.

It comes just a day after the US delegation sent two members of staff to scout the five-star Fourviere Hotel in Lyon, where England are currently housed, as a possible place to stay before the World Cup final.

Neville was clearly frustrated about the incident and even suggested USA coach Jill Ellis should launch an investigation. The Americans visited incognito while England were out at training.

The Lionesses booked themselves in for a short stay at the hotel in heart of Lyon ahead of their semi-final with the US on Tuesday evening.

The hotel, which was built in 1854, is located 15 miles away from the Lyon Olympic Stadium where the last-four encounter will be played with it being deemed the perfect place to set up camp for Steph Houghton and Co.

It comes after England's hotel in the centre of Lyon was scouted by two members of US staff

Formerly an old convent, the hotel was scouted as a possibility for the US if they make the final

The five-star hotel includes a heated pool which is located in scenic surroundings

There are 75 air-conditioned modern rooms spread over three levels at the hotel

Alyssa Naeher denied claims the USA had breached etiquette by scouting out England's hotel

While the England squad continue to get comfortable in their latest surroundings, it was revealed on Sunday night that the two American officials, including the operations manager, were given a tour of the hotel.

Neville said on Sunday that it was breach of 'etiquette' and that he would expect his opposite number Jill Ellis to instigate an investigation.

'The only thing I would say is that it's not something I would want my team ops person to do,' said Neville, who declared he had no injury worries ahead of the semi-final.

'I'm happy with my team hotel and I hope they are enjoying their hotel. It's not something we would have done, sending someone around to (the opponents) hotel and I'm sure they will be dealing with it.

'It doesn't give them an unfair advantage. It has no bearing on the game. I thought it was quite funny. I was thinking 'What are they are doing'. But it's not etiquette is it? It's not something my team would be doing.'

However, US keeper Alyssa Naeher rejected the manager's claims on Monday. She said: 'I just heard about that five minutes ago before coming in here. That has nothing to do with the game.

'Our managers and operations have scouted out every hotel we've ever stayed in or every potential hotel we stay in, to make sure we've got plan A, plan B, plan C. And that's nothing to do with the game. It's just our operations checking all the boxes and preparing for whatever path we take.'