Phil Neville felt his England players left their “hearts and souls” on the pitch after a 2-1 defeat to the United States in the Women’s World Cup semi-final. Steph Houghton had an 84th-minute penalty saved, while Ellen White also saw a second-half goal ruled out for the narrowest of offside calls also given following a lengthy Video Assistant Referee review. Christen Press deservedly headed USA in front after 10 minutes, but White’s sixth goal of the tournament pulled England level. View this post on Instagram To those who have recently fallen in love with our #Lionesses, and to those who have been here since the beginning. Your support means the world. This thing that is happening, doesn’t end here. Thank you x A post shared by Lionesses (@lionesses) on Jul 2, 2019 at 2: 13pm PDT Alex Morgan’s goal on 31 minutes proved enough for the holders, but only after a spirited fightback from the Lionesses and all the late drama which left Neville’s players crestfallen, with Millie Bright also sent off for a second caution before the full-time whistle. “My players gave me everything. We said before the game we wanted to leave our hearts and souls on that pitch and they did, they gave everything,” Neville told BBC Sport. “We’ve gone toe to toe with the best team in the world, they showed great experience at the end with taking the ball into the corner. “We went down to 10 and we’ve just probably run out of steam, but I asked them to play football the way that I wanted them to play. The contrast in emotions on nights like these is agonising. #ENGUSA🏴🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Dzvz9f2let — FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 2, 2019 “We’ve come to this tournament, we’ve done our very best. We’ve not left anything in that dressing room and I’ve told them that there should be no tears tonight. “We should be proud, we’ve touched the hearts of the nation back home and they’ve left their hearts on that football field so I’m happy. “I can’t ask anything more, we’ve had the time of our lives and they’ve really played their hearts out.” On Houghton’s penalty miss, the captain’s spot-kick saved by Alyssa Naeher, Neville said: “She’s had an incredible year. Steph Houghton saw her late penalty saved in Lyon (John Walton/PA) “She’s an amazing person on and off the pitch and she’ll deal with it the way that she does. She’s been phenomenal and no blame should be attached to her.” United States coach Jill Ellis, who was born in Portsmouth, felt her side had “stepped up”. When asked about Naeher’s save she replied: “I just said ‘that was your shining moment’. “I mean what a fricking stop, it was unbelievable, but just front to back I couldn’t be more proud of this group of players.” WILD TURN OF EVENTS OVER HERE#OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/AvYxPUgDhE — U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 2, 2019 On her message to the squad as they target another World Cup triumph, Ellis added: “First I said we’ve got four days in between (games) this time so this will help. “I just said ‘stay humble, we’ve got one more’.” Topics England, Jill Ellis, Phil Neville, Women’s World Cup Phil Neville laughs off USA’s hotel visit ahead of semi-final Portsmouth-born USA coach Jill Ellis gained her passion for football in the UK The pressure’s all on England, says Scotland boss Kerr England squad numbers for Women’s World Cup announced Theresa May says Lionesses ‘inspired millions’ as social media reacts to defeat Goodwin keen to build long-term foundations at St Mirren Lennon has Champions League concern after Simunovic red card Mali top Africa Cup of Nations Group E as Haidara strike seals win over Angola Goalless draw enough to ensure progress for Tunisia The new Financial Fair Play rule change that could completely change how next season’s Premier League plays out EVERY Premier League club’s breakthrough star of 2019/20 Arsenal have entered talks with this free agent Quiz! How many of the 100 most expensive Premier League transfers can you name? Quiz! How many of Arsenal’s 50 biggest transfers can you name?