England into Women's World Cup semi-final after hard fought Colombia battle

12 August 2023 , 12:32

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Alessia Russo of England celebrates with teammates Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone after scoring the winner (Image: Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

England booked a Women's World Cup semi-final with Australia after edging out a physical Colombia side 2-1.

The Lionesses trailed 1-0 in the 44th minute after a goal from Colombia's Leicy Santos, after a nervy first half with several referee decisions questioned by fans. Lauren Hemp equalised in the dying minute of the first half to keep England's semi-final hopes alive, which were boosted in the second half with a stunning goal from Alessia Russo to seal it in the 63rd minute.

England will play the Matildas in the second semi-final on Wednesday, August 16 in Sydney, returning to Stadium Australia. But as with the last round, the Lionesses were given a huge scare. Colombia opened the scoring when Santos lifted the ball over Mary Earps with a superb chip, sending the majority of the crowd wild.

But this England side are made of tough stuff and fought back before the break. Hemp grabbing her second goal of the tournament, bundling home after Catalina Perez spilled at the crucial time.

And the Lionesses ensured they wouldn't need extra-time on this occasion when Russo turned her marker and fired past Perez just after the hour. England still had to survive some nervy moments, with Mary Earps making a superb stop to deny Lorena Bedoya Durango's long-range drive.

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Wiegman's team held on and despite conceding from open play in the tournament for the first time, and being denied several free kicks from the referee after what looked like fouls on Daly, Hemp and Greenwood - they fought that battle.

It was expected to be a physical game from Colombia, with a huge support in the ground too, but England showed the resilience Wiegman and this team have spoken about so much to get the win.

The win means Sarina Wiegman is still unbeaten in competitive fixtures as England manager.

However the test will come up again for the team as Australia are the only team to beat England under Wiegman - a previous result the boss and her management team will be looking to overturn.

Australia could be boosted by Sam Kerr in the starting XI after two appearances off the bench in successive games - but still hasn't found the back of the net.

Laura Hartley