At last, something to be excited about: the Lionesses have mauled the Matildas. A truly excellent performance from England’s women saw them smash the co-hosts Australia in Sydney to go through to the World Cup final for the first time. 

A powerful laced shot from Ella Toone cutting across a loose ball fired England ahead in some style. 

The lead was short-lived, however, as the Matildas equalised through an outstanding solo effort from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr. Australia were on the ascendancy but England made it to halftime without conceding again. 

England came out strong in the second half and in the 71st minute, Lauren Hemp leaped onto the end of a ball over the top and shouldered off a defender before slotting home. 

England were ruthless, clinical, composed and better in every aspect of their game than the Australians, but there were some sketchy moments. 

The Lionesses survived some late Australian pressure and just after Sam Kerr missed a sitter, an urgent England breakaway led to a third. Lauren Hemp carried the ball and threaded a perfectly timed pass through to Alessia Russo who finished consummately in the bottom left-hand corner despite the tight angle.

England will face Spain on Sunday in the final in the same stadium.

After the game, the England huddle sang along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” as the England manager Sarina Wiegman proclaimed: “It’s like I’m living a fairy tale or something.”

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