England advance to Women's World Cup Final with 3-1 victory over Australia

In an exhilarating encounter, England edged out Australia 3-1 in Sydney to seal their spot in the FIFA Women's World Cup final for the first time. The Lionesses now look forward to facing Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday.

Within the first 10 minutes, Georgia Stanway saw her goal attempt thwarted by Mackenzie Arnold, courtesy of a deft pass from Alex Greenwood.

England's persistence bore fruit in the 36th minute when Alessia Russo's determined play set up Ella Toone to fire a blistering shot into the net's top corner.

However, the hosts weren't behind for long. In the 63rd minute, Chelsea's Sam Kerr collected the ball at the halfway mark, embarked on a bold run past fellow Chelsea player Millie Bright, and then released a sensational 30-yard strike that evaded Mary Earps.

The Lionesses responded swiftly. Lauren Hemp capitalized on the Australian defence's oversight of Bright's long delivery and expertly slotted in the second for England.

Although Kerr later had a pair of golden opportunities to restore equilibrium for the Matildas, England's place in the final was firmly cemented in the 86th minute when Hemp teed up Russo to finish off with precision.

Post-match, an ecstatic Lucy Bronze remarked, "This is the one thing I've always wanted. To be here, in the World Cup final, is surreal. The unwavering support from family and friends has been the backbone of our journey."

Alessia Russo echoed those sentiments, "To be part of a World Cup final is why we give it our all on the pitch. Sharing this moment with our supporters makes it even more special."

England's head coach, Sarina Wiegman, praised her team's tenacity, stating, "This team embodies ruthlessness, both offensively and defensively. Our unity and adherence to the game plan was evident today."

Conversely, Australia's Katrina Gorry expressed her disappointment. "Football can be ruthless. We had our chances but failed to convert."

Tony Gustavsson, Australia's coach, acknowledged the team's missed opportunities but applauded their fighting spirit. "We had three clear chances in quick succession. Though today's result is disappointing, I'm proud of our team's commitment. They truly gave it their all."

Now, as England gears up to face Spain, Australia will square off against Sweden in the play-off for third place.

Australia Women: Mackenzie Arnold; Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Clare Polkinghorne (Emily Van Egmond 81); Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry (Alex Chidiac 88), Hayley Raso (Cortnee Vine 72); Mary Fowler, Samantha Kerr.
Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Courtney Nevin, Alanna Kennedy, Charlotte Grant, Aivi Luik, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop, Kyah Simon.

England Women: Mary Earps; Millie Bright, Jessica Carter, Alex Greenwood; Lucia Bronze, Rachel Daly, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone (Niamh Charles 90), Keira Walsh; Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo (Chloe Kelly 88).
Subs not used: Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem, Laura Coombs, Esme Morgan, Jordan Nobbs, Katie Robinson, Lauren James, Bethany England.
Booked: Alex Greenwood (11).