July 2 at 3:23 PM
American co-captain Megan Rapinoe opened Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup semifinal against England on the bench, the latest dramatic development surrounding one of the tournament’s most dynamic and provocative players.
Rapinoe, who began the day tied for the tournament lead with five goals, was replaced in the lineup by 30-year-old striker Christen Press. Press had subbed in for Rapinoe late in the Americans’ 2-1 quarterfinal win over France. A team spokesman declined to comment on Rapinoe’s absence and said Coach Jill Ellis would speak about it after the match, according to The Washington Post’s Steven Goff, who is with the team in France.