Head coach Phil Neville says it would be considered a “failure” if England do not beat the USA to reach the Women’s World Cup final.
The Lionesses face the defending champions and world number one side in the semi-finals in Lyon on Tuesday – in a game live on BBC One (20:00 BST).
England, ranked third, have never gone beyond the last four at a World Cup.
“Nobody cares who loses a semi-final, it’s all about winning,” said Neville.
“No-one cares about silver and bronze – it’s the gold medal everyone wants.”