LYDIA Thompson has returned to the starting line-up for England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against France at the Kingspan Stadium in Ireland tonight (7.45pm).

The Worcester Valkyries wing has recovered from a knee injury which forced her to miss her side’s 46-26 victory over USA in the pool stages.

But Thompson’s clubmate Rochelle Clark has been dropped to the bench as Vickii Cornborough reclaims the number one shirt.

England are bidding to reach a fifth successive World Cup final and retain the title won in France three years ago.

Boss Simon Middleton said: “France are a well organised unit and a team that has been on form in this competition.

“They have an impressive pack and showed exceptional skill in their pool fixtures, particularly against Ireland.

“We will need to be at our best to get the job done, and as a team, everyone recognises that. I have the utmost confidence in this squad.

“To compete at a World Cup, playing knock-out rugby, is what every player in this squad has been building towards and training hard for. We are ready and excited for the challenge France will bring.”

England: Waterman; Thompson, Scarratt, Burford, Wilson; Mclean, Hunt; Cornborough, Cokayne, Bern, Scott, Taylor, Matthews, Packer, Hunter.

Replacements: Fleetwood, Clark, Lucas, Millar-Mills, Noel-Smith, Mason, Reed, Jones.