England 3-1 Australia: Lionesses defeat World Cup hosts and secure spot in final
The Lionesses now have a chance to become world champions after a dramatic 3-1 victory over Australia on their home turf
England have made it to the FIFA Women's World Cup final after defeating tournament hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney.
The Lionesses, who emerged victorious in the Euro 2022 final, previously lost semi-finals at the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups.
Today, England was playing in the semi-finals for the third consecutive Women's World Cup, while Australia was in the final four for the first time.
Now, the Lionesses have an opportunity to build on their successes of last year in Europe by becoming the new world champions when they take on Spain in the final on Sunday.
Australia will play Sweden for third place on Saturday in Brisbane.
It was a lively start to the game, with Australia's Sam Kerr having an early shot on goal within the first 10 minutes, saved by Mary Earps, before an offside call from the referee.
Watch: England fans react as Ella Toone scores the Lionesses' opening goal
England's Alex Greenwood picked up a yellow card, also before the 10 minute mark, after bringing Kerr to the ground during a challenge for the ball.
The first-half has seen plenty of challenges and near-misses in what promised to be a dramatic game at Sydney's Stadium Australia in front of a sold-out crowd.
Australia had several rushes at goal, but England were first to break the tie at the 36th minute with a goal by Ella Toone from inside the box.
In the second-half England did their best to dominate possession and maintain their lead over the Matildas.
Australia fought back in the 62nd minute however, with Kerr scoring a powerful shot in front of a roaring home crowd.
England regained its lead at the 71st minute with England's Lauren Hemp taking advantage of some poor defending from Ellie Carpenter, bringing the score to 2-1.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo sealed Australia's fate at the 86th minute with a shot from the right of the goal, giving England a 3-1 lead right before full-time.
England manager Sarina Wiegman became the first coach to lead two countries to the Women's World Cup final, having previously guided the Netherlands to the final before a loss to the United States in 2019.
Speaking after the match, she said: “You make it to finals, it’s really special. I’d never take anything for granted, but I'm like, ‘Am I here in the middle of a fairytale or something?’”
Thousands of fans across the UK took time off work to watch today's game, with many singing, dancing and slamming tables at fan parks.
In a personally signed tweet congratulating the team, the Prince of Wales wrote: “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final! “Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”
In a personal message, the King said: "My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match. "While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect."
England cricket fans took great delight in the Lionesses getting one over the Aussies, with the Barmy Army tweeting: “Oh bye bye Aussies, bye bye” towards the end of the game. Fans at BoxPark Croydon had a few nervy minutes after Sam Kerr’s stunning strike levelled the tie for the Aussies in the second half. But there were jubilant scenes as the final whistle blew and many fans embraced each other ahead of the final against Spain on Sunday.
Toone made herself one of the heroes of the day with a brilliant first-half strike, making Lionesses fans believe they could make their first World Cup final. Composed finishes from Hemp and Russo rounded off a professional display, helping England sweep aside the host nation.
Former England striker Gary Lineker added his congratulations, tweeting: “Well played Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance. “A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”
Mischa McDonald, 12, was one of about a dozen young players celebrating the result at England captain Millie Bright’s former club, Killamarsh Dynamos.
“It was amazing, so nerve-wracking, but I’d predicted 3-1 before the start,” she said. On the final, Mischa, who also attends Bright’s former school, said: “I know we’ll do it and I think Millie will lift the cup like Leah Williamson did (at the Euros).” She added that the Lionesses’ success was “a really big inspiration”.
The Welsh Guards Band performed one of England’s footballing anthems Sweet Caroline during Wednesday’s Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace after the win.
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