After a disappointing fourth-place finish in the last FIFA Women’s World Cup, England has made it to the final of the current Women’s spectacle. They beat Australia, the hosts, in the semifinals on Wednesday, August 16.
The Lionesses played against the Matildas at Stadium Australia. Even though Sam Kerr scored for Australia, England won with goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo.
Toone scored first in the 36th minute. Kerr made it even for Australia, but then Hemp and Russo scored for England. This victory sends Sarina Wiegman’s team to the final, where they’ll play against Spain on August 20, at the same place.
The Lionesses are hoping to win their first World Cup. They came third in 2016 and fourth in the last World Cup.
Wiegman has done well as the manager. She led the England women’s team to win the first Women’s Finalissima, beating Brazil in the final. They want to win another big trophy this Sunday.
In the past, the Lionesses got to the same stage twice but didn’t make it further. This time, as European champions, they got it right and reached the final for the first time.
They got the lead nine minutes before halftime. Ella Toone from Manchester United scored a powerful goal from just inside the box.
Sam Kerr, who was back in shape after an injury, scored a fantastic goal for Australia in the second half. She got the ball and shot from far away, making the crowd go wild.
But England wasn’t done. Lauren Hemp got into the box and scored, and Russo added another goal just four minutes before the end.
Now, England gets ready for a big final on Sunday at the same Stadium Australia. They’ll face Spain, who beat Sweden 2-1 in the last four. Someone new will get the trophy this time.
England has been here before, in 2015 and 2019, but they lost both times. Their best World Cup finish was third place before now.
Coach Sarina Wiegman led them to win the European title last year at home. Captain Millie Bright said they’re better prepared for important games now.
At the packed Stadium Australia, the Lionesses showed their strength and shut out the noise, silencing the home crowd.
This victory tasted even better because Australia had beaten England 2-0 in a friendly match in April. That was the only game they lost in 38 matches since Wiegman took over.
Australia had a good World Cup, their best ever. They still have a playoff for third place against Sweden on Saturday.
With Sam Kerr back in the lineup, Australia made some changes. Emily van Egmond went to the bench, and Clare Polkinghorne came in for Alanna Kennedy, who was sick.
England used the same team that beat Colombia 2-1, except for Lauren James, who couldn’t play due to a suspension.
Both teams were nervous at the beginning, but Australia settled down. They had a chance with a long pass to Kerr, but Mary Earps, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, stopped her shot.
England had their chance too. Georgia Stanway shot, but Australian keeper MacKenzie Arnold saved it with her legs.
Kerr was active, and England tried hard to stop her. Alex Greenwood got a yellow card for a strong challenge.
As time went on, England got more confident and controlled the midfield.
