England star's goal celebration and touching gesture noticed vs Australia

16 August 2023 , 11:05

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Ella Toone of England (L) celebrates her goal against Australia

Ella Toone pre-planned her goal celebration that followed her stunning World Cup semi-final strike against Australia.

The Lionesses took the lead against the Matildas at Stadium Australia in the first half. Some patient play ended with the Manchester United star picking up the ball in space in the box and driving it into the top corner.

"What a pure strike from Toone and great creativity from Russo, who fights and fights to create something from nothing," said Karen Bardsley on commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live. "She set it up for Ella Toone to absolutely wallop it into the top corner."

As celebrations ensued on the pitch, Toone kissed her wrist and displayed a heart with her hands. It's a gesture she already had planned going into the tournament.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live before the World Cup, she 23-year-old shared how she would celebrate if she scored.

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"In tournament football moments fall to different people and it's if you take those moments," she said. "We've definitely had a lot of them throughout the tournament.

"I'm sure if it falls to me in the box then I'd be buzzing if I put it away. Usually (with celebrations) anything happens.

"But, I'm on strict orders from my mates. We all got a matching tattoo before I came out (to Australia). They want me to kiss it and do a little love heart. I promised them I'd do that."

Ella Toone of England scores her team's first goal in the semi-finals (Brendon Thorne)

Ella Toone was on target for England against Australia

It's Toone's first goal at this summer's World Cup with Georgia Stanway, Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly and Chloe Kelly among the goalscorers so far.

But, the United star isn't unfamiliar with scoring important goals on the big stage as she opened the scoring against Germany in the Euros final last year.

The winners of England vs Australia will take on Spain the final on Sunday, with the loser to face Sweden in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Hannah Pinnock