STATUES in the Conversation Piece installation on South Tyneside are sporting England strips as all talk in the borough turns to football – and supporting local lass Demi Stokes as she and her lioness team mates prepare for Tuesday's clash with the USA.

The lionesses are through to the semi-finals after a 3-0 victory against Norway.

This is England’s second consecutive World Cup semi-final, with the women’s team hoping to make it all the way to the final this weekend.

The Lionesses, who reached the last four at the 2015 World Cup in Canada and 2017 European Championship, arrived in France with realistic ambitions of winning a first major title.

Defender Demi hails from South Shields, starting her football career with Sunderland AFC at the age of 16.

South Tyneside mayor Councillor Norman Dick said: “I’m avid fan and watch all the matches. The lionesses have played fantastically and reaching the semi-finals is a real achievement.

“What makes it even more special is having one of our own on the team. Football fans across South Tyneside will be throwing their support behind Demi and the Lionesses. Come on England.”

Tonight’s will play either the Netherlands or Sweden in the final on Sunday.

Netherlands and Sweden play on Wednesday.