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Hope Powell's side folded in the second period after keeping the tournament co-favourites goalless until half-time.

Goals from Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly underlined the US supremacy as England were swept away.

The first-half was attritional stuff, with chances at a premium and the game characterised by a bruising battle between England captain Faye White and US striker Wambach.

The big American centre-forward caught White in the face with an accidental forearm blow, for which the defender required cotton wool inserted in her nose to stem bleeding.

White hit back with a thumping challenge minutes later, but Wambach had the last laugh early in the second half when she scored the opening goal.

A Lilly corner was floated in on 48 minutes and Wambach rose high above Katie Chapman to thump a header past Rachel Brown.

England looked to hit back through substitute Rachel Yankey - who was unlucky not to start - whose excellent cross from the left deserved a better header from Karen Carney.

Three minutes before the hour it was two, as Boxx collected the ball just outside the area and, with no England player closing down, thrashed a powerful left-foot shot low into the right corner.

It was game over soon afterwards, when Brown misjudged a long clearance downfield, allowing the ball to bounce over her while the jubilant Lilly tapped into the empty net.

There was never any chance of an English comeback as the United States controlled the game with ease.

Nevertheless, Powell will be happy with her players' progress throughout the tournament, especially the goalless draw against Germany at the group stage.

However, this result is a stark reminder of the vast gulf that separates Englandf from the world's very best.

The US go into their semi-final against either Brazil or Australia on a high and appear on a collision course with European giants Germany.

Earlier, the defending champions progressed to the last four with a 3-0 win against North Korea.

Kerstin Garefrekes, Renate Lingor and Annike Krahn were on target for Silvia Neid's team, who will play Norway or China in the semi-finals.

Alex Chick / Eurosport