The England women’s national team reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the very first time after defeating 2023 co-hosts Australia in Sydney on Wednesday.
The Lionesses made it into their third consecutive semi-final after defeating Colombia in the quarter-finals while the Matildas defeated France.
England continued without star forward Lauren James who was serving her last suspension from a two-game ban for her stamp on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the round of 16.
Sarina Weigman’s ladies were the more dominant side in the first half against the Aussies and took the lead in the 36th minute when Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone drilled a fierce shot that found its way into the top right corner of the net and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia equalised in the 63rd minute with captain Sam Kerr firing a long-range strike from outside the box that gave England goalkeeper Mary Earps no chance of stopping. England hit back seven minutes later after Australian defender Ellie Carpenter failed to clear the ball, leaving Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp with the opportunity to score with a composed finish.
Alessia Russo put the final nail in the coffin with a low shot from close range and into the bottom left corner of the net.
WE ARE #FIFAWWC FINALISTS FOR THE FIRST TIME! ???????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/xezYRcz4ry
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 16, 2023
England will now get to face Spain in the final after La Roja defeated Sweden 2-1 in Auckland on Tuesday.
