Women's World Cup live: Wiegman press conference latest as Spain lead Sweden

Updates from Alessia Russo shortly

At England's base camp we're awaiting the arrival of Alessia Russo. Updates to follow.

That's all from us!

Join us tomorrow for live updates from England's semi-final clash against Australia.

See you then!

Vilda: Off-field problems made Spain stronger

Spain head coach Jorge Vilda says the turmoil the squad has faced over the last 12 months has only made them stronger after they booked their place in the World Cup final by beating Sweden 2-1 earlier today,

He told the media post-match: "The support of Luis Rubiales, the president of the federation, and everyone at the federation, means so much and will always stay with me, as well as that of my family because they have suffered this year," said Vilda after Olga Carmona's late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 win at Eden Park in Auckland.

"At the end of the day it has been a learning process, and I think it has made all of us stronger. Now we can file it away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are."

England vs Australia TV details

England's semi-final clash against Australia kicks off at 11am on Wednesday morning, which is 8pm local time.

The match will be broadcast live on BBC One with coverage starting from 10am.

ICYMI: Keira Walsh responds to bold claim Australia have psychological advantage over England

Keira Walsh has denied Australia will have any psychological advantage from being the only team to date to defeat England under Sarina Wiegman, writes Jack Lacey-Hatton.

Man Utd boss Skinner sends firm message to Arsenal over Russo contract saga

Walsh, 26, will take part in her third consecutive major tournament semi-final against the Matildas at Sydney's Stadium Australia. The hosts are the only team to have beaten the Lionesses in Wiegman's 37 games in charge when defeating them 2-0 at Brentford back in April.

They now are the only team standing in the way of the European Champions reaching a historic World Cup final, with the winner facing Sweden or Spain on Sunday. But Walsh doesn't believe the previous meeting between the two sides gives the Matildas the edge. "I think if I put myself in their shoes, said Walsh. "Then not so much. I think the semi-final of the World Cup it is going to be a difficult game.

READ HERE.

Keira Walsh walks out prior to a training session at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia

David Warner takes swipe at England's Lionesses ahead of semi-final showdown

The old-age rivalry between England and Australia is rearing its head once again - but this time it is being directed towards football, and not the traditional cricketing world, writes Laura Hartley.

An unlikely rivalry that Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman toned down in her pre-match press conference on Tuesday - but is being pushed to the top of the mind game agenda by David Warner.

The Australia opener has taken a cheeky dig at England ahead of the Women’s World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The Lionesses face Australia in Sydney at Stadium Australia, which could kick-start a fresh rivalry, especially as it's their second meeting in just a few months after the Lionesses' defeat to the Matildas in April.

READ HERE.

Heartbreak for Sweden

Consistently reaching semi-finals, never quite able to get over the line.

Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden shows dejection after the team’s 1-2 defeat and progression to the third place play-off match following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park (Photo by Joe Allison - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Why England should be confident of stopping Sam Kerr as Chelsea friends turn foes

How to stop Sam Kerr? It is the question WSL defenders up and down the country ask themselves on a regular basis, writes Jack Lacey-Hatton.

So far, none seem to have the answer. Kerr scored 29 goals in 38 games in all competitions for Chelsea last season, despite spending the last few months with constant niggles and minor injuries. She managed to deliver at the seasons’ crunch time, as she always does, scoring vital goals in the big matches as Emma Hayes’ team retained the league and cup double.

Her summer has so far been dominated by a troublesome calf revealed on the eve of the tournament. Only in the round of 16 against Denmark did Kerr first enter the field, after sitting out the entire group stage.

READ HERE.

Millie Bright and Sam Kerr of Chelsea kiss the Barclays Women's Super League trophy after the team's victory in 2023 (Photo by Justin Setterfield)

BBC drop clanger by using WRONG faces for Spain World Cup XI with fans left furious

The BBC dropped a huge clanger by using the wrong faces in their starting XI graphics ahead of Spain's Women's World Cup semi-final clash with Sweden this Tuesday, writes Laura Hartley.

The BBC team, which has flown out to Australia from its Salford studios, also suffered from sound issues. An echo could be heard from presenter Gabby Logan, and pundits Alex Scott, Jonas Eidevall and Fara Williams as they presented from Sydney with the Opera House in the background.

But it wasn't the sound that left fans truly frustrated as when both the starting XI line-ups for Spain and Sweden were discussed by the pundits and shown on screen, the faces of some England players appeared.

READ HERE.

England faces put on Spain starting XI ahead of the first Women's World Cup semi-final

Analysis - Spain are FIFA Women's World Cup finalists

Spain seem to be coming good at the right time. They weren't at their very best tonight but found a way.

With Putellas back in the team and Paralluelo making such an impact a big impact from the bench they look capable of beating anyone.

The pressure was on in that second half and they didn't hide.

What it means

World Cup finalists.

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match against Sweden (Photo by Fiona Goodall - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FT: Spain 2-1 Sweden

SPAIN ARE THROUGH TO A WORLD CUP FINAL!

SPAIN LEAD AGAIN!

OH WOW!

Hearbreak for Sweden. Spain restore their lead from a set piece.

Carmona drills it home, catches Sweden off guard.

ESP 2-1 SWE

GOAL! SWEDEN LEVEL

SPAIN'S LEAGUE DIDN"T LAST LONG!

80 minutes for a goal and suddenly there's two in quick succession. Substitutes Lina Hurtig and Rebecka Blomqvist fires them back on level terms.

ESP 1-1 SWE

Analysis - Spain 1-0 Sweden

Salma Paralluelo keeps her cool so well in the box. At that time in a game of such magnitude, that really is an outstanding finish.

GOAL!

SPAIN LEAD!

Substitutions paying off as they score from their first shot on target. Paralluelo fires them in front with 10 minutes to go. HUGE moment!

ESP 1-0 SWE

HUGE CHANCE!

70' HOW HAVE SPAIN NOT SCORED?

Redondo should score but can only send her effort wide. Let off for Sweden.

ESP 0-0 SWE

Analysis - Spain 0-0 Sweden

Spain look like the side who need a winner quicker than Sweden do. It will suit Blagult to keep things tight for now.

Spain could start to panic soon. I just wonder if this situation is made for Esther Gonzalez, she would freshen their attack up.

Free-kick

67' Spain win a free-kick just outside the area but Caldentey's effort hits the wall and flies out for a corner. That's also cleared by Sweden.

ESP 0-0 SWE

Spain change...

Alexia Putellas makes way for Salma Paralluelo.

ESP 0-0 SWE

Analysis - Spain 0-0 Sweden

This is your classic World Cup semi-final. So cagey it almost defies belief.

Sweden though keep forcing set pieces. Sooner or later one will count. Spain need to grab the game and avoid another extra-time if they can.

At this stage, tired legs make a huge difference.

Mood so far

Frustration for both sides as they search for a breakthrough.

Fridolina Rolfo of Sweden reacts during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match Eden Park (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Back underway

Huge 45 minutes ahead in Auckland.

ESP 0-0 SWE

HT: Spain 0-0 Sweden

A very cagey first 45 minutes. Sweden the closest to a goal, despite Spain's dominance.

Interesting second half ahead.

ANOTHER CHANCE!

44' Sweden corner isn't dealt with by Spain. It falls to Blackstenius in the box but she can't quite get her feet right to get the shot away. Any real connection on that, could be 1-0. Spain on the ropes a bit now after comfortably dominating most of this first half.

ESP 0-0 SWE

Analysis - Spain 0-0 Sweden

It speaks volumes about Alexia Putellas' levels that she is able to instantly improve a team as talented as Spain.

Sweden's midfield has looked strong all tournament, but suddenly Putellas is starting to make them look a little ordinary.

CHANCE!

41' Spain have dominated but arguably the best chance of the game so far falls to Sweden. A dangerous ball into the area finds Rolfo but her effort is tipped wide. Just!

ESP 0-0 SWE

Spain corner

34' Over half an hour in and we have the first corner of the game. Spain take, but it's comfortably cleared in the end by Sweden. They look to counter, but it comes to nothing.

This game has been lacking any real cutting edge so far.

ESP 0-0 SWE

All Spain now

23' Spain are starting to find their groove and are causing Sweden a few problems. They're starting to dominate possession, but Carmona's effort is their only attempt on goal so far. You get the sense they probably need to make this spell of dominance count before Sweden find a way back into this.

ESP 0-0 SWE

Sweden's midfielder #23 Elin Rubensson and Spain's defender #02 Ona Batlle fight for the ball during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY/AFP via Getty Images)

Millie Bright on pressure

We have an ultra competitive group of players. It's in our DNA to fight and want to win. Without the pressure to win there is no drive to go to higher levels.