England player ratings as Alessia Russo fires Lionesses to Women's World Cup semi-finals
England booked their place in the Women's World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over Colombia.
It was a cagey start to the contest in Sydney, with the tricky Linda Caicedo asking some early questions of the England defence. But it was the Lionesses who had the first clear chance of the game — Rachel Daly directing her header straight at Catalina Perez after a superb ball from Georgia Stanway.
Colombia responded well, with Leicy Santos' sublime cross-shot looping over the head of Mary Earps and into the England net to put the South Americans ahead. Nelson Abadia's side weren't in front for long though, the Lionesses restoring parity on the stroke of half time through Lauren Hemp, who poked the ball home after a goalkeeping error from Perez.
And England doubled their tally for the day shortly after the hour mark, with Alessia Russo finishing smartly after a lovely through ball from Stanway. Colombia were unrelenting in their pursuit of an equaliser, with Lorena Bedoya Durango forcing a smart save from Earps, but it wasn't to be for Abadaa's side, with England now set to meet Australia in the last four on Wednesday [August 16].
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Here's how the players got on at Stadium Australia...
Mary Earps — 6
Positioning good to thwart early Colombia attacks. Perhaps could have done better for Santos' goal, which looped over her head. Saved well from Lorena Bedoya Durango in the second half.
Jess Carter — 7
Turned by the tricky Linda Caicedo in the first half but rallied well and did a solid job for Sarina Wiegman's side.
Millie Bright — 7
A fascinating battle with Mayra Ramirez, though her long balls lacked their usual accuracy in the first
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