The Lionesses took charge three minutes in at Stade Océane, full-back Lucy Bronze delivering a cut-back to striker Ellen White, who mis-kicked when well placed.

The ball rolled invitingly for midfielder Jill Scott, who produced a composed right-foot finish into the far corner.

Memories of White’s mis-kick faded further when she thundered against the post, before doubling England’s lead in the 40th minute.

Nikita Parris took advantage of space on the right and squared for White to tap in from close range, making her Lionesses' top scorer at Women’s World Cups with six goals.

Norway, who won the tournament in 1995, began brightly in the second half but failed to take advantage of occasional lapses from the England defence.

The tie was effectively over just before the hour when the excellent Bronze drilled home from the edge of the box, after being teed up by Beth Mead’s free-kick.

England had an opportunity to add further gloss to the scoreline when they were awarded a late penalty, but Parris’ effort was by goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth.

It was a second straight penalty miss from Parris, who had found the net from the spot in England’s first match of the tournament against Scotland.

Phil Neville's side are likely to head into the semi-finals as underdogs, with either hosts France or defending champions United States set to provide the opposition.

England’s second successive World Cup semi-final also provides an opportunity to secure Britain a place at next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.