Angry Matildas fans blast 'cowardly' Lionesses' aggressive approach
Australia fans were up in arms at England's aggressive approach in the Women's World Cup semi-final.
The Lionesses set out their stall early in the contest in Sydney on Wednesday night, with a number of robust challenges in the first half.
From the early exchanges, England looked determined to stop Australia as far high up the field as possible with Ella Toone and Lucy Bronze both penalised by referee Tori Penso.
Matildas full-back Steph Catley was twice barged to the turf, as the Lionesses successfully disrupted Australia's rhythm and never allowed the hosts to settle.
England gave away nine fouls in the first 45 minutes to Australia's one, with Lionesses defender Alex Greenwood the only player booked in the first half.
Unsurprisingly, the physical approach did not please Matildas fans, who took to social media to vent their frustration.
'Actual lionesses are brave. I don’t know what this English squad thinks they are but they strike me more like cowardly dogs,' an Australian fan tweeted.
Another added: 'Wasn’t aware you could fly-kick someone square in the face or chuck a knee in.'
A fan, meanwhile, suggested the Lionesses' approach would be more suited to the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
'Looks like the England women's team brought their rugby skills to the football field!,' the tweet read.
Some supporters, meanwhile, suggested England were deliberately targeting Matildas skipper Sam Kerr, who made his first start of the tournament on Wednesday night.
'While I'm ambivalent about who I want to win, I'd prefer it if #England didn't kick Sam Kerr to bits quite so much,' one tweeted.
Another added: 'England are out for Sam Kerr tonight.'
Kerr came into the Matildas starting XI for Emily Van Egmond, despite playing just 75 minutes of
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