Today at the World Cup: England prepare for first final appearance
England have begun preparations for their first appearance in the final of the Women’s World Cup.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured an historic 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia and set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday.
Here, the PA news agency looks back at the day after the night before.
England v Nigeria – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Round of 16 – Brisbane Stadium
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman has a selection dilemma after Toone’s sparkling display.
The midfielder replaced Lauren James, who scored three goals and picked up the same number of assists before she was sent off late in the second half of England’s last-16 victory over Nigeria.
She has now served the two-game ban she was issued for stepping on the back of defender Michelle Alozie and is be available to start the most important match in Lionesses’ history.
But fellow midfielder Keira Walsh said: “I think obviously people are going to speak about that, but I think everyone has got to give Tooney credit. She has come back in and she has done an unbelievable job again.
“I think she was unbelievable. She tackled, she got stuck in, she took us up the pitch, she gave us a lot of security. LJ is a massive talent, but I think we have got to put some respect on Tooney’s name as well. She has been fantastic.”
Australia v England – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Semi Final – Stadium Australia
Toone’s former PE teacher feels it is “not a surprise” that she has reache the World Cup final.
Chris Nuttall, PE teacher at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Wigan, who taught Toone from Year 9 to Year 11, said he saw her potential at school.
Nuttal, 38, told the PA news agency: “It’s surreal to see Ella play in the World Cup
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