England spoiled co-hosts Australia’s party by booking their place in the Women’s World Cup final for the first time on a historic evening in Sydney.
Silencing a sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia, the Lionesses became the first English side since 1966 to reach the final on the world stage.
It caps a sensational two years under manager Sarina Wiegman as England, crowned European champions for the first time last year on home soil, showed their superiority and know-how to see off an Australia side spurred on by a nation who have been inspired by the Matildas’ success.
Ella Toone gave England the lead in the first half with a superb first-time strike which sailed into the top corner.
The Lionesses controlled proceedings until the second half when Australia threw everything at them and star striker Sam Kerr – starting her first match of the tournament – struck a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps’ head to make it 1-1.
But England, as they so often do, found a way back into the game when Lauren Hemp pounced on a defensive error to restore their lead, before Alessia Russo made sure of victory late on.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Australia
Formation 4-4-2
- 18Arnold
- 21Carpenter
- 15Hunt
- 4PolkinghorneSubstituted forvan Egmondat 81′minutes
- 7Catley
- 16RasoSubstituted forVineat 72′minutes
- 19GorrySubstituted forChidiacat 88′minutes
- 23Cooney-Cross
- 9Foord
- 11Fowler
- 20Kerr
Substitutes
- 1Williams
- 2Nevin
- 3Luik
- 5Vine
- 6Wheeler
- 8Chidiac
- 10van Egmond
- 12Micah
- 13Yallop
- 17Simon
- 22Grant
England
Formation 3-4-1-2
- 1Earps
- 16Carter
- 6Bright
- 5GreenwoodBooked at 10mins
- 2Bronze
- 8Stanway
- 4Walsh
- 9Daly
- 10TooneSubstituted forCharlesat 90′minutes
- 23RussoSubstituted forKellyat 87′minutesBooked at 90mins
- 11Hemp
Substitutes
- 3Charles
- 12Nobbs
- 13Hampton
- 14Wubben-Moy
- 15Morgan
- 17Coombs
- 18Kelly
- 19England
- 20Zelem
- 21Roebuck
- 22Robinson
- Referee:
- Tori Penso
Match Stats
Live Text
Match ends, Australia 1, England 3.