England reach first ever Women's World Cup final with stunning Australia win

16 August 2023 , 11:53

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England reach first ever Women's World Cup final with stunning Australia win

England are through to their first ever first ever World Cup final after Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo's fine finishes ensured a 3-1 win over Australia.

The result means the Lionesses will meet Spain in Sydney on Sunday. Sarina Wiegman's side had too much for the co-hosts, who saw their dreams of winning a home tournament ended by

The Lionesses become the first ever national senior England side to reach a major tournament final on foreign soil. Ella Toone opened the scoring after a cagey first half an hour where it looked like it could go to extra time and penalties.

She fired England in front with a superb strike in 36th minute, with the European Champions dominant throughout the first half.

But Australia hit back thanks to a wonder strike from Sam Kerr not long after the hour mark as Stadium Australia's sell-out crowd erupted. At that point the tie looked in the balance.

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However, Lauren Hemp had other ideas. First she got on the end of Millie Bright's long pass to restore the Lionesses' lead, before a mazy dribble and release to Alessia Russo for the new Arsenal star to fire the Lionesses into the final.

The Lionesses defied the home crowd, a sold-out Stadium Australia which saw a huge amount of mind games prior to the match from Australian sportsmen.

Euros 2022 and Lioness hero Ellen White flew over to Australia with her 12-week old baby for the Lionesses, and said she was in tears at full time.

She said after the final whistle: "I have tears in my eyes. I feel emotional. What this team has done and legacy they have created. To finally say we are in a World Cup final is incredible."

The result of course means that co-hosts Australia have crashed out of this year's Women's World Cup to line up a Spain vs England final.

The final will be held at the same stadium as England have just won at against Australia at 11am.

Jack Lacey-Hatton