Australia to use home support as 'fuel and energy' against England

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson says self-belief and massive fan support could make the difference when they meet England for a place in the Women's World Cup final on Wednesday.

The co-hosts have already created history with their maiden run to the last four, and are determined to keep breaking barriers and go even further.

Gustavsson said Serena Wiegman's world No 4 England would be favourites at Sydney's Stadium Australia, but the Matildas had something the Lionesses did not.

"If you look at rankings they're favourites, if you look at where their players play in top clubs in top leagues all over the world," he said on Tuesday.

"If you look at all that and the resources financially, obviously they are a massive favourite going into the game.

"But if you add the belief we have, and the one thing we have that they don't – and that is the support from the fans, that itself is going to be massive tomorrow."

The Matildas' exploits have triggered a groundswell of support at home.

Their heart-stopping penalty shootout win over France in the quarterfinals was the most-viewed television sporting event in Australia since Cathy Freeman ran her iconic 400m race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

It has sparked so much interest that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is considering declaring a public holiday should they win the tournament.

"We don't look at it as pressure," Gustavsson said of handling the growing expectations.

"We look at it as a privilege that so many people believe in this team and we feel the support.

"We look at it more as fuel and energy than pressure."

Adding to the excitement is the long-standing sporting rivalry between the countries.

KERR DECISION

While the 10th-ranked Matildas have already achieved