16 August 2023 , 12:42
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Gary Lineker has congratulated the Lionesses on their "wonderful achievement" after their historic victory on Wednesday.
England defeated hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney to book their place in the Women's World Cup final. Ella Toone opened the scoring for Sarina Wiegman's side in the 36th minute but her superb strike was cancelled out by Sam Kerr's outrageous long-range effort.
England restored their lead through Lauren Hemp's calm finish before Alessia Russo ended Australia's hopes late on with a brilliant low strike. The Lionesses will face Spain in Sunday's final in Sydney after they defeated Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final.
It's the first time England have reached the Women's World Cup final after losing consecutive semi-finals in 2015 and 2019. It's also the first time a senior England football team has reached a World Cup final since Sir Alf Ramsey's men won on home soil in 1966.
"Well played Lionesses," tweeted Match of the Day presenter Lineker after England's win against Australia. "Absolutely superb performance. A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It's been a while. What a wonderful achievement."
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Manchester United legend Gary Neville added: "An incredible achievement by the Lionesses. One more (game) to go."
England's achievement is significant considering their captain Leah Williamson is missing the tournament due to a knee injury. Beth Mead, who was named as the Player of the Tournament at last year's Euros, is also absent with a similar complaint.
Fran Kirby is another key Lioness missing the tournament and took to social media to applaud Hemp's crucial second goal. Mead added: "World Cup final baby, get in!"
Liam Gallagher offered his congratulations to England - tweeting "c'mon" - while the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have lauded their players involved in the tournament. "Our Lionesses are through to the World Cup final," tweeted the Gunners.
England have reached the Women's World Cup (Photo by Richard Callis/MB Media/Getty Images)Write your congratulations to the Lionesses in the comments below!
Politicians have taken to social media to praise England. "What a performance Lionesses," tweeted Rishi Sunak. "Just one more game to go... Bring on Sunday."
Keir Starmer added: "Come on! Phenomenal semi-final win from the Lionesses. World Cup final here we come!"
England's men's captain Harry Kane has congratulated the Lionesses. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Bayern Munich striker said: "Massive congratulations to the Lionesses... we're all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final."
Prince William posted a classy tweet after the game. He wrote: "What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses - on to the final! Commiserations to the Matildas (Australia), you've played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup."