United States coach Jill Ellis says her team have the Women's World Cup firmly in their sights after they reached the semi-finals in France by beating the hosts on Friday.

The Americans will face England in the last four in Lyon on Tuesday after surviving a pulsating quarter-final at the Parc des Princes, won 2-1 thanks to Megan Rapinoe's brace, and Ellis says her team are determined to retain their world title.

"We're on a mission, that was the message. It was a gritty win for us," Ellis told reporters after her side held off a late attacking wave from the French following Wendie Renard's 81st-minute header.

"A win's a win in the World Cup. We knew that the intensity of the fans behind that team -- it's an incredible team -- and you add to that the surge of momentum from the fans... At times it felt like a bit of a tsunami."

Ellis deployed unusually defensive tactics in the second half on Friday, bringing on Lindsey Horan and Carli Lloyd in midfield to try to close out the match with France repeatedly knocking on the door.

"We knew way back in the draw that this was probably the match up. Tactics are tactics and I think if they help you get a result then fair play," Ellis said.

She was full of praise for captain Alex Morgan, who hasn't scored since hitting five against Thailand but was key to both goals on Friday -- first winning the free-kick that Rapinoe flashed home and then sending Tobin Heath away to lay on the Rapinoe's second.

"I think she worked her tail off... I think she put her heart and soul into this game I really do. She showed a lot of guts tonight," she said.

English-born Ellis will take on Phil Neville's Lionesses next week after they thumped Norway 3-0 on Thursday, and she expects a similarly tough match as against the French.

"It was a dominant performance (against Norway). They're a good team, front to back. A lot of experience, a lot of really good players," Ellis said.

"I respect Phil and I know he'll have his players ready as will we. We'll see how it plays out."