England crushed the hopes of a nation on Wednesday as they beat co-hosts Australia to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup final. Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo saw them emerge victorious at a packed and partisan Stadium Australia, despite Sam Kerr scoring an absolute stunner.
The Lionesses will now face Spain on Sunday, with both teams bidding to become world champions for the first time.
After an even and entertaining first half, it was England that went in at the break with the lead after Toone thumped an effort past Mackenzie Arnold and into the top corner.
Kerr’s strike just past the hour was even more impressive, as she beat Mary Earps from 25 yards out to level things up, but the Lionesses’ restored their lead just eight minutes later when Hemp capitalised on some poor defending. Russo then put the game beyond doubt late on, after two huge chances went begging for Kerr.
England will now take on Spain, another first-time finalist, on Sunday at the same venue for the chance to win the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Australia will have to dust themselves off as they prepare to face Sweden in the third-place play-off.
(Goal)
