Lionesses stride to semi-final of the World Cup
England's Alessia Russo (left) and Colombia's Manuela Vanegas battle for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
PA
The Lionesses came back from a goal down to beat Colombia and proceed to the semi-final of the World Cup on Saturday.
In an end to end finish to the first half, England’s Lauren Hemp managed to get a scrappy equaliser to cancel out Leicy Santos’ opener.
The game then hung in the balance until Alessia Russo thumped the winner low, hard and underneath the goalkeeper.
In a tense and nervous finish, frustrated opposition fans booed a patient England team that locked out the win.
England's Alex Greenwood and Ella Toone celebrate victory after the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
PA
England will face Australia for a place in the Women’s World Cup Final.
The match against Australia will be the Lionesses third semi-final in a row.
The win against Colombia constitutes another scalp for the Lionesses, who have racked up victories over Haiti, Denmark, China and Nigeria in the competition so far.
In a message posted on Twitter, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: "Bring on the semi-finals! A hard-fought win, well done @Lionesses."
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England fans celebrate their team winning during a screening of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 quarter-final match between England and Colombia at BOXPARK Croydon, London.
PA
Speaking after the match, goal scorer Lauren Hemp told ITV that she was "so proud" of the team and that they were all feeling "really confident".
Hemp said: "I'm absolutely knackered right now. I'm so proud of the team.
"Whenever we got the ball we looked like we were going to create something."
Coach Sarina Wiegman said: "I am so proud of the team... if we had [been better] we could have finished up the game a little earlier."
England goalkeeper Mary Earps makes a save during the FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
PA
Matchwinner Russo said: "What makes this team great is we're always trying to find ways to improve even after we've reached the semis. We've got lots to work on. We've got to get recovered, rested and go again."
On the team's chances in the semi-final, Russo added: "It's exciting, what more do you want?
"You want to play against the best teams and obviously they're the hosts. I think Colombia had a great fanbase out tonight so we've had a little taste, but I'm so excited."
Having beaten Germany last summer 2-1 at Wembley to become European champions for the first time, the Lionesses have now set their sights on being best crowned best in the world.
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