England won through to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final with a 3-1 semi-final victory over co-hosts Australia.
The Lionesses will meet Spain in Sunday’s showdown with kick-off at 11am UK time, while Australia play Sweden in Saturday morning’s third-place match.
Mary Earps blocked Sam Kerr on an early break which turned out to be from an offside position, before Georgia Stanway’s volley was kept out by Mackenzie Arnold.
Lucy Bronze diverted a far-post shot by Hayley Raso out for a corner and Alessia Russo could only hit the side-netting under pressure.
England took a 36th-minute lead, when Russo’s cut-back was thumped into the far top corner by Ella Toone.
Hemp hit a half-volley after the break which Arnold parried away for a corner, from which Millie Bright headed narrowly wide.
Australia were level in the 63rd minute, Kerr sent racing toward goal and finding the net from 25 yards.
Russo headed across Arnold and inches wide of the far post, moments later Bright’s long ball wasn’t dealt with and Hemp hit home the loose ball.
Kerr headed over from Mary Fowler’s fine ball, Mary Earps parried a Courtnee Vine effort before England smuggled the rebound away.
Kerr put another close-range chance wide, then straight down the other end Hemp played through Russo to finish perfectly and make it 3-1 with four minutes of the 90 left.
SK @ the Women’s World Cup is supported by NuCalm – click below for more info and a FREE TRIAL ⬇️
