ENGLAND striker Ellen White wants to make the nation proud as the Lionesses take part in their first-ever World Cup semi-final later tonight.

England play Japan just after midnight in a game to be broadcast live on BBC One, and the Notts County forward has admitted she has an ‘incredible’ feeling ahead of the game.

"It's the biggest game of all of our careers," she told the FA. "It's a tremendous feeling knowing that we'll be playing against the world champions in a semi-final and potentially making more history for England Women's football.

"It's exciting and everyone's buzzing - we just can't wait."

An audience of 1.6million watched England’s 2-1 win over Canada on Saturday night with a greater figure expected this evening, and White is impressed with the reaction on home shores.

"It's incredible, from the first moment we got together the thing that we wanted to do was inspire a nation and inspire kids to play football, both boys and girls, and hopefully we're doing that," she added.

"We want to make the whole of England really proud and we're excited."

World Cup winners Japan are no pushovers, with England firm underdogs in this evening’s encounter in Edmonton, and the 26-year-old said: "Who better to face than Japan? "You've got to beat the best to be the best, so to beat them and potentially face the USA back in Vancouver, who wouldn't want to?"

"We've got momentum and beating Canada was a big boost for us, so we'd all love to go back to Vancouver and that incredible stadium for the final.

"But first and foremost, we've got to beat Japan in Edmonton in front of a decent crowd, who will hopefully support us."