16 August 2023 , 12:23
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England secured their spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup final with a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.
Ella Toone opened the scoring in the first half but Sam Kerr, who was earmarked as the Matildas' key threat going into this game, put them back in level terms after the break with a fantastic strike from range. The Lionesses, though, showed their resilience once again.
Lauren Hemp fired Sarina Wiegman 's side back in front 10 minutes later as she latched onto a long ball from Millie Bright. Alessia Russo then put their progression beyond doubt with a third goal late on, Hemp once again integral.
They will now play Spain in the final on Sunday in a bid to add more silverware to their collection after last year's Euro win.
Here's how the Lionesses got on in Sydney...
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
Earps - Made a decent stop to deny Kerr one vs one in the opening 10 minutes, it was offside but the Manchester United goalkeeper wasn't to know. Made some crucial stops at 1-1 and 2-1 to keep England's hopes alive. 8.
Bronze - Crucial defending to block a shot from Raso at the back post after the Matildas looked to capitalise on a corner. 8.
Walsh - Helped dictate the tempo in the middle of the park. Was really well marked by Australia for large spells, so did really well to still have some influence on proceedings. 8.
Greenwood - So composed in possession and dinked a fantastic ball over the top for Stanway. Booked after 10 minutes for a tactical foul on Kerr, did extremely well to defend on a yellow card for the rest of the game. 8.
Bright - Knocked a teasing header wide just before the hour mark and was agonisingly close to making it 2-0. Kerr is a tough striker to defend but she stepped off her Chelsea teammate and allowed her to run through and drill an equaliser into the back of the net. Got the assist for Hemp's goal and had plenty of chances from England corners. 8.
Stanway - Huge chance to open the scoring early on but could only send her effort straight at Mackenzie Arnold. 8.
Daly - As always, outstanding performance defensively given Australia's dangerous threat. Still offered plenty going forward. 8.
Toone - Fantastic strike into the top corner to put England in front in the first half. A real threat, probably her best performance at this World Cup so far. 9.
Ella Toone (Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images)Hemp - Her directness and ability to drive at the Australia defence certainly asked questions. Incredibly well-taken effort to put England back in front after weathering the storm from the opponents. Set up Russo for the third after some outstanding play in the middle of the park. Player of the match. 9.
Carter - Got away with a dangerous cross-field pass as Australia picked up the loose ball and carved out a dangerous opportunity. Some absolute crucial last-ditch defending to keep England's advantage. Solid as always. 8.
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Russo - Some good combinations with Lauren Hemp in the early stages. Very loose in possession at the start of the first half to once again gift Australia the opportunity to get forward. But, as she did against Colombia, the new Arsenal star scored a crucial third goal for England to all but secure their place in the final. 9.
SUBS
Kelly - Late sub after the third goal, booked for timewasting. N/A.
Charles - Late sub in stoppage time. N/A.