England beat Australia to make Women's World Cup final with Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo the heroes
England star Lauren Hemp celebrates her goal against Australia at the Women's World Cup
REUTERS
England have made the final of the Women's World Cup final for the first time in their history after goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
The Lionesses walked out at the Stadium Australia with the crowd very much against them.
Australia fans occupied the majority of the ground, with some even purchasing tickets originally intended for England supporters.
In the end, however, the Lionesses got the job done to set up a mouthwatering showdown against Spain on Sunday morning.
Ella Toone powered England ahead against Australia at the Women's World Cup
REUTERS
Toone opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a powerful effort.
The 23-year-old, who plays her club football for Manchester United, unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner
It would have been a goal worthy of winning any game, with Hemp and Alessia Russo involved in the moment of magic.
Yet Australia refused to accept defeat, especially with the home crowd roaring them on, and were able to level through the magnificent Sam Kerr in the second half.
The Chelsea striker has had injury issues at this tournament, previously being restricted to cameo appearances against France and Denmark.
However, she showed why she's regarded as one of the best players in the world with a shot from range that sailed past Mary Earps.
Lucy Bronze nearly restored England's lead with a lob, while Russo's header sailed just wide of the past.
But the Lionesses went ahead through Hemp, who found the net for the third time this tournament in the 71st minute.
The Manchester City star managed to get between two Australia defenders to strike past Mackenzie Arnold and spark wild celebrations among England fans.
Australia huffed and puffed for a leveller but, in the end, it's the Lionesses who were able to go through with Russo notching late on.
For Wiegman, it will be yet another memorable moment.
The 53-year-old has worked wonders with the side ever since taking over from Phil Neville back in September 2021, after her appointment had been confirmed a year previously.
England always felt Wiegman was the right person for the job, having gone so close at previous major tournaments.
And the Lionesses are now well and truly on the cusp of something special.
England managed to win the European Championships on home soil last year, beating Germany in the final.
Some wondered if Australia, roared on by a home crowd, would be able to inflict a second defeat on England having previously beaten Wiegman's side in April.
Yet late strikes from Hemp and Russo makes it yet another memorable moment for English football.
Spain will be next up and Jorge Vilda's side won't be easy given their impressive form at the tournament so far.
La Roja did lose 4-0 to Japan in the group stages - but only after they'd beaten Costa Rica and Zambia to make it through.
Spain hammered Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16 before scraping a 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Friday.
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Sarina Wiegman has guided England to another final with Australia win
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And they booked their own spot in Sunday's showpiece event with a 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday, with Olga Carmona netting at the death to spark wild Spanish celebrations.
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