England are through to the Women’s World Cup final after an impressive victory over joint-hosts Australia.
The Lionesses will face Spain in Sunday’s showpiece event in Sydney after Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo scored in a 3-1 win to knock out Australia.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for the latest updates after the Lionesses beat Australia
Sarina Wiegman’s England are bidding to lift the Women’s World Cup trophy for the first time, having become European champions last summer.
Mary Earps, 7
Could do nothing to prevent Women’s Super League rival Sam Kerr from equalising with a brilliant long-range strike but produced an important save late on.
Lucy Bronze, 7
Came into the game more after half-time after a subdued opening 45 minutes. Never lets Wiegman down and her experience was needed after England were pegged back.
Millie Bright, 7
Failed to close down Kerr for Australia’s goal but it was her long punt that led to England’s second. Also almost scored with a header that drifted just wide.
Alex Greenwood, 9
An assured performance from the Manchester City full-back despite an early booking. Should have had an assist when she curled a fantastic through ball to Georgia Stanway and made multiple crucial headers and clearances in her own box.
Jess Carter, 6
Put in few important tackles, one to halt Kerr as she slalomed into England’s penalty box. Can improve her distribution, though, with several passes failing to find their mark.
Rachel Daly, 6
Didn’t stand out but that was largely due to the control England had for large periods rather than any notable mistakes.
Keira Walsh, 7
Always offers England control in the middle of the park, though she can take more risks with her pinpoint passing.
Georgia Stanway, 6
Scuffed an early attempt after a great run to get on the end of Greenwood’s through ball but was lively throughout.
Ella Toone, 8
Rifled home England’s opener with a superb strike to leave the Sydney Arena stunned. Could have had an assist too when she played in Alessia Russo.
Alessia Russo, 8
Put the game to bed with a clinical finish, having played a key role in England’s opener. Also almost scored with a second-half header after failing to hit the target with an early chance.
Lauren Hemp, 9
Showed striker’s instinct to take advantage of a defensive blunder and regain England’s lead. Deserves huge credit for her role in the third goal as she ran through Australia’s midfield before finding Russo. Held the ball up well and offered a constant outlet in the channels.
Subs:
Chloe Kelly, 5
Niamh Charles, 5
MORE : Lionesses fans fume as BBC commentary ‘ruins’ England goal against Australia
MORE : England legend Alex Scott responds to Australia’s Sam Kerr World Cup gamble
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
