16 August 2023 , 12:20
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England have done it. They have booked their place in the nation's first-ever Women’s World Cup final after a stunning 3-1 victory over co-host nation Australia.
Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo got the better of Matilda's goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in front of a sell-out stadium full of loud, booing, Australian fans.
The home side’s skipper, Sam Kerr, pulled it back on level terms in the second half but the Lioness’ game management was one step ahead, putting the game to bed within 90 minutes. Now, England looks forward to Sunday’s World Cup final to face Spain. It is both nations’ first-ever Women’s World Cup final.
Sarina Wiegman will have a full squad selection now Lauren James can return to the pitch for the final after serving her two-game match ban for the dismissal against Nigeria earlier in the tournament.
It is Spain's third World Cup, and they have never progressed into the knockout stages before 2023, although they dominate in the youth stages.
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They have sailed through the tournament thus far, other than a rather significant 4-0 blip against Japan in the group rounds. Spain had 78% of the possession yet suffered a significant loss to the 2011 Women’s World Cup Winners. But they have bounced back and cleaned things up defensively.
Spain have ranked highest in attacking stats out of every nation within this tournament, but Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh ply their trade in La Liga F with Barcelona… the same club team as the majority of Spain’s roster - perhaps their insight will aid England’s quest for World Cup glory?
The Lionesses and La Roja have met before, in the European Championship quarter-finals - England pipped Spain to a 2-1 win after going behind just before the hour mark.
This tournament is making history in so many ways, and England are well on their way to World-football domination.