Women's World Cup 2023 - England make history to reach final despite Sam Kerr strike for Australia

ByJen Offord

Updated 16/08/2023 at 16:56 GMT

It was a Women's World Cup semi-final that certainly delivered at Stadium Australia as England and Australia played out a classic in front of an enthralled crowd in Sydney. Ella Toone looked to have put England in control when she opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but Sam Kerr had other ideas with a wonderful strike to equalise. England found two more goals late on though to reach the final.

England secured their first ever place in a Women's World Cup final after The Lionesses beat co-hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney.

Australia manager Tony Gustavsson took a gamble starting a not fully fit Sam Kerr for the first time this tournament, signalling that the Matildas wanted to get this wrapped up in 90 minutes. Despite that statement of intent, it was a gamble that would not pay off.

In the first half, England dominated possession, though Australia set out to frustrate their attempts on goal, of which there were a few.

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Despite England’s dominance, it never really felt that they were fully in control of the game, and Australia took their chances with lightning speed on the counter-attack.

For a brief spell, they felt the more dangerous side, though an inspired shot by Ella Toone gave England the lead before the first half was through.

Indeed, the partnership between Toone and Alessia Russo shone again, as it did at the Euros last summer.

In the second half, Australia came out all guns blazing, with Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord often finding themselves in the thick of it. But it was Sam Kerr who eventually equalised in the 63rd minute with a stunning strike from outside the box to keep the Matildas in the game.

That was short lived, as Lauren Hemp showed once again how important she is to the team, emerging between the Australia defenders with a fantastic finish.

Australia brought on an attacking reinforcement in sub Emily van Egmond, who missed out on a starting spot due to sickness, but despite Australia’s best efforts, they couldn’t contain the pace and power of Alessia Russo, who found the net minutes before full-time.

The Lionesses will now go on to face Spain in Sunday’s final.

Alessia Russo of England celebrates after scoring her team's third goal with teammates during the FIFA Women's World Cup

Image credit: Getty Images

TALKING POINT – Can England go all the way?

It’s one thing to make the final, but the challenge will be epic when England take on Spain. We’ve shown we can beat them in previous contests, but Spain were without Alexis Putellas and Jenni Hermosa in last year’s Euro. Nonetheless, if England put on a display as focussed as this, they will certainly be in with a shot.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Lauren Hemp

Hemp showed once again why she is so important to this England team, with a clinical finish and incredible pace, providing Russo with the assist as well as scoring herself.

Lauren Hemp (2nd R) of England celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia

Image credit: Getty Images

PLAYER RATINGS

Australia: Arnold 6, Polkinghorne 6, Catley 6, Foord 7, Fowler 7, Hunt 6, Raso 7, Gorry 6, Kerr 7, Carpenter 6, Cooney-Cross 6. Subs: Vine 6, Chidiac 6, Van Egmond 6.

England: Earps 8, Bronze 7, Bright 7, Greenwood 7, Carter 7, Daly 7, Walsh 7, Stanway 7, Toone 8, Russo 8, Hemp 8. Subs: Charles 6, Kelly 6.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

36’ WHAT A GOAL FOR ELLA TOONE! - Toone breaks through the Australian defence to slice the ball in the top corner of the net. It's a beauty - what a great tournament she is having. England lead 1-0.

63’ GOAL FOR AUSTRALIA! - What a stunning strike by Sam Kerr who fires from well outside of the box to equalise for Australia.

71’ HEMP GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD! - Lauren Hemp gets between the Australian defence and fires it low. It's a beautiful finish.

86’ GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR RUSSO! - ENGLAND GO 3-1 UP!!!!!!! SURELY THAT'S IT NOW????????

"It sucks" - Gutted Kerr on Australia's World Cup semi-final loss

KEY STATS

The last senior England team to play in a World Cup final was in 1966.

Neither England or Spain’s women’s teams have ever made a World Cup final before.

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