England's players celebrate winning the FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final soccer match between Australia and England in Sydney, Australia, 16 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

England's players celebrate winning the FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final soccer match between Australia and England in Sydney, Australia, 16 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

England reach World Cup final after knocking out Australia

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Sports Desk, Aug 16 (EFE).- England ended co-hosts Australia’s dream World Cup run with a clinical 3-1 win in the semi-final on Wednesday in Sydney.

After dominating the early phases, the Lionesses took a deserved lead through Ella Toone’s 31st minute strike that flew past Mackenzie Arnold into the top corner.

Australia supporters react after England won during a live screening of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final soccer match between Australia and England at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia, 16 August 2023. EFE/EPA/JOEL CARRETT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

While England continued to dominate possession, Australia were much improved in the second half, regularly threatening on the counter attack.

They scored a magnificent equalizer just after the hour-mark, as captain Sam Kerr raced clear on the break before firing in a wonderful shot from distance over Mary Earps.

Sam Kerr of Australia stands on the pitch dejected during the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final soccer match between Australia and England in Sydney, Australia, 16 August 2023.EFE/EPA/BIANCA DE MARCHI AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

But less than 10 minutes later, England restored their lead when Lauren Hemp capitalized on sloppy defending to dampen the celebratory mood in Stadium Australia.

The Aussies continued to press forward and had several chances to equalize, with Kerr guilty of squandering a golden opportunity from inside the six yard box.

Lauren Hemp of England (R) scores the 1-2 goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final soccer match between Australia and England in Sydney, Australia, 16 August 2023. EFE/EPA/DAN HIMBRECHTS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Moments later, England struck a hammer blow as Hemp drove forward against a retreating Australian backline and played an excellent reverse pass to release Alessia Russo who struck a precise finish to seal the match and book England’s place in the final.

The Lionesses will face Spain in Sunday’s showdown. EFE

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