Thompson back for England

Image: Lydia Thompson is fit for England's semi-final against France in the World Cup

Lydia Thompson has recovered from a knee injury to start on the wing for England against France in their Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final in Belfast on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Prop Rochelle Clark, the team's most-capped player, will start from the bench at the Kingspan Stadium with Vickii Cornborough given the starting loose-head shirt.

Captain Sarah Hunter will win her 96th cap and is joined by Alex Matthews and Marlie Packer in the back row.

Image: England head coach Simon Middleton has made two changes to the team for the game against France

After impressing against the USA, Abbie Scott will start in the second row alongside Tamara Taylor.

Danielle Waterman continues at full-back and is the only player to have started every England match so far.

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Katy Mclean and Rachael Burford are selected at fly-half and inside centre respectively for the defending world champions.

We caught up with Simon Middleton ahead of the England-France World Cup semi-final

England coach Simon Middleton said: "France are a well-organised unit and a team that has been on form in this competition.

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"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.

Image: England have not lost a game in the World Cup so far

"To compete at a World Cup, playing knockout 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."

If World Cup holders England beat France, they will face New Zealand or the United States in next Saturday's final in Belfast.

Keep up-to-date with all the goings on from England's semi-final clash with France in Belfast at 7.45pm with our live blog.

England team to face France: Danielle Waterman (Bristol); Lydia Thompson (Worcester Valkyries), Emily Scarratt (Lichfield), Rachael Burford (Harlequins Ladies), Kay Wilson (Richmond); Katy Mclean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Natasha Hunt (Lichfield); Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Ladies), Amy Cokayne (Lichfield), Sarah Bern (Bristol), Abbie Scott (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Alex Matthews (Richmond), Marlie Packer (Bristol), Sarah Hunter (Bristol, captain).

Replacements: 16. Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens), Rochelle Clark (Worcester Valkyries), Justine Lucas (Lichfield), Harriet Millar-Mills (Lichfield), Izzy Noel-Smith (Bristol), La Toya Mason (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Amber Reed (Bristol), Megan Jones (Bristol).

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