How England Women reached their first World Cup final
England are into the final of a Women’s World Cup for the first time in history after a 3-1 victory over Australia in Sydney.
Sarina Wiegman’s European champions will take on Spain on Sunday after they saw off Sweden on Tuesday.
Here the PA news agency looks at England’s route to the final.
China v England – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Group D – Hindmarsh Stadium
England took their time to catch fire in this tournament, but despite a lacklustre start they emerged from Group D with three wins from three. Georgia Stanway’s re-taken penalty was enough, just enough, to beat tournament debutants Haiti in an unimpressive opening match in Brisbane, and it was another narrow win as Lauren James’ strike proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the second fixture. But things clicked in the final fixture as James inspired a 6-1 rout of China, scoring two and setting up others for Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp, with Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also on the scoresheet.
England v Nigeria – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Round of 16 – Brisbane Stadium
As well as James had played against China, she then let herself and her team down badly in the first knock-out fixture with a needless late red card for a stamp on Michelle Alozie. James’ outburst illustrated England’s frustration as Nigeria stood firm for 120 minutes. It would eventually go to a penalty shoot-out after a stalemate, with Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick as England won 4-2, surviving a major scare.
England v Colombia – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Quarter Final – Stadium Australia
England made hard work of seeing off Colombia 2-1, falling behind late in the first half when Leicy Santos beat Mary Earps with a neat lob. But Hemp poked in an equaliser six minutes
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