LADIES REACH WORLD CUP

England Ladies have qualified for the World Cup.

They secured a 1-1 draw in France to book their passage to China next year.

Three Everton players were involved in the game, with Rachel Brown, Fara Williams and Rachel Unitt all in the starting XI.

Williams was in the thick of it for England's opener, pressurising Hoda Lattaf into an own goal.

France couldn't equalise until the 88th minute when a mis-hit cross deceived Brown in the England goal.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the Three Lions qualified for the first time since 1995.

Coach Hope Powell said: "The girls were magnificent. We stuck to our game plan and were very resilient.

"It has been a long journey but it has been a rewarding journey."