England will play Spain in the FIFA women world cup final after the former saw off hosts Australia in the second semi final.
Silencing a sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia with their 3-1 victory, the Lionesses became the first England football team since 1966 to reach a senior final on the world stage.
It caps a sensational two years under manager Sarina Wiegman as England were crowned European champions for the first time last year on home soil.
“My thought was ‘we’re not going to give this away now’,” said Wiegman, reflecting on Australia’s equaliser. “You are never sure. But it was later in the game so we got through.”
Ella Toone gave England the lead in the first half with a superb first-time strike which sailed into the top corner.
The Lionesses controlled proceedings until the second half when Australia threw everything at them and star striker Sam Kerr – starting her first match of the tournament – struck a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps’ head to make it 1-1.
But England, as they so often do, found a way back into the game when Lauren Hemp pounced on a defensive error to restore their lead, before Alessia Russo made sure of victory late on to set up a final with Spain on Sunday.
Spain had already beaten Sweden in the first semi final. The semi final losers will face each other in the playoff on Saturday ahead of the Sunday final.