Australia vs England LIVE! Women’s World Cup semi-final result, match stream, latest reaction, updates today

Australia vs England LIVE!

England made history as they beat Australia to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup final. Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp were the Lionesses’ heroes as they both struck in the second-half to secure a 3-1 win and set-up a clash with Spain in Sunday’s final.

Toone fired England ahead in the 36th minute when she arrowed the ball into the top corner from just inside the penalty area. England had looked in control of the game, but Kerr capped her first start at this World Cup with a stunning strike.The Chelsea striker picked the ball up just inside her half, driving forward, and rifling into the top corner from 25 yards out.

England recovered well though. The ball broke kindly for Hemp and she made no mistake as she guided the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. Fouur minutes before the end, Hemp played in Russo, and the Arsenal striker lashed the ball into the bottom corner to the delight of everyone on the England bench.

Australia vs England latest updates

• GOAL! Russo puts match to bed

• GOAL! Hemp puts England back in front

• GOAL! Kerr equalises with sensational strike

• GOAL! Toone rifles home stunning opener

Australia 1 - 3 England

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14:19 , Matt Verri

England made history as they beat Australia to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup final.

Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp were the Lionesses’ heroes as they both struck in the second-half to secure a 3-1 win and set-up a clash with Spain in Sunday’s final.

Read our full report here!

One final match!

13:51 , Matt Verri

Russo: We can go all the way

13:36 , Matt Verri

Alessia Russo insists England are ready to go all the way and secure Women’s World Cup glory, but warned Spain will provide their toughest test yet.

England won the European Championship on home soil last summer and now get the chance to secure football’s ultimate prize when they take on Spain, who they beat in extra-time in the Euros quarter-finals, in Sunday’s showpiece occasion.

“Yes, why not,” Russo told BBC One when asked if the Lionesses can win the World Cup.

“Spain are going to be even tougher [than Australia]. Every game in this tournament has been of the highest level so we have to be ready. But we’ve been dreaming since we were little girls. We’re excited, we’ll recover and be ready.”

Wiegman does it again!

13:22 , Matt Verri

Reaction from Lucy Bronze

13:09 , Matt Verri

“The one thing I’ve always wanted, to make the final of the World Cup. After two times of such disappointment, I can’t believe it.

“We played the game how we wanted to, we were determined, resilient. I couldn’t hear much else that she was saying to be honest. We knew the crowd would be crazy and we talked about silencing them and I feel like we did that at the end after the third goal.

“We all dreamed of being in the final, all our family and friends have boked to stay here until then because they all believed in us. It’s been amazing to play against Australia, in Australia, what a fantastic tournament they had but we’re in the final.”

Main event to come!

13:05 , Matt Verri

So it’s England vs Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.

We will have a first-time winner of the tournament, neither of those two sides have ever made it to the final before.

That match is at 11am BST on Sunday morning at Stadium Australia. Get it in the diary.

Stunning from Kerr

12:59 , Matt Verri

Doesn’t count for anything in the end, but Kerr’s equaliser was very, very special.

The Chelsea striker will be thinking about that miss late on though, one that came about a minute before Russo made it 3-1. Fine margins.

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

12:57 , Matt Verri

A lot has been said about the Lionesses’ mentality and that performance there showed how good it is.

Under the pump when Kerr scored that wonder strike, but they hit back. Hemp and Russo excellent as a front-two.

FT: Australia 1-3 England

12:54 , Matt Verri

England have done it!

They are through to the Women’s World Cup final for the first time, sensational from the Lionesses.

England vs Spain on Sunday. Massive.

12:52 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Kelly takes it to the corner, winning a throw-in by the corner flag. England seeing this out perfectly.

What a performance this has been, they have well and truly spoiled the party in Sydney.

12:50 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Australia appeal for a penalty, even they didn’t truly believe that though.

Foord cuts inside off the left wing, a mass of blue shirts in her way though. They win it back, ball is booted up the pitch.

12:47 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Toone off, Charles on to replace her.

England have six minutes to see out, Australia boss wanted a lot more than that.

12:46 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Kelly is on for England, Russo’s final touch was that goal.

The Lionesses are on the verge of reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time.

GOAL! Australia 1-3 England | Alessia Russo 86'

12:43 , Matt Verri

THAT SHOULD BE THAT!

Barely a minute after that Kerr miss and Russo has surely put the match to bed.

Great run from Hemp, she slides the pass through to Russo and it’s a superb finish, low into the far corner.

12:42 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Even bigger chance!

Kerr can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. Corner swung in, Earps’ punch falls for Kerr six yards out and she somehow volleys over the bar. Had to score.

12:40 , Matt Verri

83 mins: This is starting to get a bit desperate from England at the back!

Kerr finds Vine, low strike across goal and Earps parries it straight out, thankfully for her Carter is there to clear with Van Egmond lurking.

12:39 , Matt Verri

82 mins: Chance... big chance!

Fowler dinks a great ball into the middle, Kerr gets across Greenwood and any sort of slight flick and it’s 2-2.

She gets too much on the header though, loops over the bar.

12:38 , Matt Verri

81 mins: All sorts of finger waving from Tony Gustavsson on the touchline - best of luck to any Australian player trying to work out what that means.

Van Egmond is on for the the Matildas for the final ten minutes.

12:35 , Matt Verri

78 mins: A lot of space out there now. Russo tries her luck from distance, deflected behind for a corner.

Greenwood to the back post, Bright again wins the header but it loops wide. She’s had a couple of really decent chances from set-pieces.

12:33 , Matt Verri

76 mins: Russo leads an England break, nobody up with her though so she has to turn back.

Comes to Stanway, she’s a mile out and her effort at goal is a mile over. Not sure that was the best of options there.

12:32 , Matt Verri

75 mins: Foord frustrated as she hacks Stanway down, England free-kick and the chance to tick away a few more seconds.

Earps already irritating the crowd with how long she took over a goal-kick, you can expect plenty more of that!

12:30 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Australia win a corner straight away, but too much on it and straight out of play.

The Matildas responded once - can they do it again? Certainly still have time.

GOAL! Australia 1-2 England | Lauren Hemp 71'

12:28 , Matt Verri

ENGLAND DO HAVE THE LEAD AGAIN!

It’s a disaster at the back from Australia and Hemp has punished them.

Long ball over the top, Hemp pounces as Carpenter doesn’t deal with it and she finishes well.

12:26 , Matt Verri

69 mins: England nearly back in front!

Bronze in behind down the right, stands a cross up to the back post and it almost floats into the far corner!

Over Arnold, just wide though and Australia can clear the danger.

12:25 , Matt Verri

68 mins: The Lionesses trying to get themselves going again, keeping the ball at the back.

It’s Australia who want to push the pace now, with Kerr looking like scoring every time she gets near the ball.

12:23 , Matt Verri

66 mins: England need to be very careful here. Australia are up, crowd are up and Kerr has come alive, she wins a corner for her side as Carter slides in desperately inside the box.

Swung in right on top of Earps, so many bodies around her but she does really well to flick it away.

GOAL! Australia 1-1 England | Sam Kerr 63'

12:20 , Matt Verri

INCREDIBLE FROM KERR!

Well she doesn’t look like she needs to come off!

Russo gives the ball away in the Australia half and the Matildas punish her ruthlessly. Kerr picks it up on the halfway line, drives at Bright and then hammers a sensational strike into the top corner from 25 yards out.

12:19 , Matt Verri

62 mins: Kerr swings a couple of dangerous crossed into the box, Australia really need her in the middle though. Will be interesting to see how long she’s got in her, hard to see Australia bringing her off while they still trail.

England come away on the break, but Bronze slows things down as she turns back. She just wants the Lionesses to control things.

12:16 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Corner is again aimed towards Bright, she gets up this time and wins the header... just wide! Really good chance for the England captain, Arnold would not have saved that from close range.

Hemp then very nearly pounces on some hesitation at the back from Australia, but the hosts just about scramble it away.

12:14 , Matt Verri

57 mins: Great effort from Hemp, ball dropped for her 25 yards out and she hammers a strike at goal. Arnold gets across and turns it behind for a corner.

After a slightly shaky start to the half, England are back in control.

12:11 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Lionesses continue to go direct in the channels, Toone working hard to make those runs and again she forces Hunt to knock the ball out of play.

Australia win it back though, flying forward on the counter. Stanway tries to halt it with a cynical foul, advantage played.

Comes to nothing though, Raso’s pass is a poor one and Greenwood sees it out.

12:08 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Walsh launches a ball over the top, Toone has given up on it but Hunt pokes it behind for a corner anyway. That was entirely unnecessary.

Greenwood whips it in, Bright and Bronze lurking at the back post but it’s over both of them and behind for a goal-kick.

12:06 , Matt Verri

49 mins: This is going to be a very long 45 minutes for England at this rate.

Fowler with a brilliant ball to the back post, Foord can’t quite get up high enough though and it’s nodded straight at Earps.

12:04 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Carper swings a cross into the box, Kerr challenges with Carter in the middle. Ball bobbles around a bit before Earps pounces on it.

The Lionesses just a bit sloppy in the couple of minutes since the break, not quite as secure on the ball.

Back underway!

12:02 , Matt Verri

Up and running for the second-half in Sydney!

As promised...

12:01 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

11:56 , Matt Verri

A great half for the Lionesses, who have looked so composed so far. Brilliant goal from Ella Toone, who has had a tough tournament.

First-half stats

11:54 , Matt Verri

Nearly 70% possession for England, seven shots and two of those on target.

They’ve made nine fouls too, even if a few of those were very soft. Imagine we’ll see plenty more to ensure Australia don’t get away on the counter.

Some finish from Toone!

11:51 , Matt Verri

HT: Australia 0-1 England

11:48 , Matt Verri

That is half-time.

England have the lead, they’ve been really impressive in the opening 45 minutes.

Dominated possession and Toone’s brilliant finish has them in front at the break.

11:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Australia corner, chance for them to pile some pressure on before the break.

Daly wins the first header, nodded back into the six-yard box and Earps can claim it comfortably. She’s in no rush to boot this up the pitch.

Just the one minute added on.

11:44 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Lovely ball in from Daly, Hemp’s diving header is saved but the whistle has gone. There was a slight shove from Hemp to create the space for herself.

The Lionesses continue to threaten, they look capable of doubling their advantage.

11:42 , Matt Verri

41 mins: It’s all gone a bit quiet inside Stadium Australia. That goal is not what they turned up for.

So far, so good for England. Need to make it to half-time now with that lead still intact.

11:40 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Good old scramble in the middle of the pitch, bodies on the floor and players just booting anything that moves.

Toone comes away with it, England controlling this nicely. Australia struggling to get on the ball.

GOAL! Australia 0-1 England | Ella Toone 36'

11:37 , Matt Verri

STUNNING!

What a finish from Toone. Russo involved again down the left, the ball is cut back and it comes to Toone, who rifles a sensational first-time strike into the top corner.

Could not have caught that any better.

11:36 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Best part of 70% possession so far for England, but that won’t bother Australia at all.

Home fans have started to boo the Lionesses passing the ball around at the back...

11:33 , Matt Verri

32 mins: There is the Australian threat on the counter.

Raso flicks it wide to Carpenter, she gets to the byline but can’t slow herself down in time. Far too much on the ball across the face of goal, flies past everyone.

11:31 , Matt Verri

30 mins: Bronze there again, wins the header this time.

She’s stayed down briefly, looks to have landed awkwardly. Bronze back up though and moving fine, she’s all good to continue.

11:30 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Great challenge from Daly, slides in just as Raso was about to put the cross into the box. Referee takes her time, eventually decides it’s a corner.

Deep to the back post, drops for Raso and she gets the shot away, Bronze quickly across to block it though. Another corner.

11:27 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Bronze getting right up for the pitch for England, again she’s there at the back post as the Lionesses clip it in.

Arnold sees it coming a mile off though, off her line confidently to claim. Australian goalkeeper has been impressive so far.

Already has the feel of a game that is going to be very, very tight throughout!

11:25 , Matt Verri

24 mins: Stanway clattered into, but the referee waves play on.

Not this time though, whistle goes as Carter brings her Chelsea team-mate Kerr down. High boot from the defender, Kerr has been in the wars in these opening 24 minutes.

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

11:23 , Matt Verri

As expected, England having loads of the ball. It is the same thing the Aussies did in April, when they beat England 2-0.

They wait for the right moment and then strike on the counter.

11:22 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Hemp and Russo nearly combine, but the door is slammed shut on the Arsenal striker before she can get a shot away.

Ball comes back in, Bronze has made a good run in behind but just too much on the pass and Arnold can claim.

11:19 , Matt Verri

18 mins: England diving into the challenges in the opening stages of this match, not letting Australia break on them. Foord looks to turn Bronze, but the wing-back brings the Arsenal winger down.

Greenwood the only Lionesses player in the book so far, she could easily have been joined by one or two team-mates.

11:17 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Carpenter with the long throw for Australia, decent distance on it but England can clear.

The Matildas try and stay on the attack, ball scooped over the top towards Carpenter... too much on it, out of play for a goal-kick.

11:14 , Matt Verri

13 mins: England win a corner, long ball towards Bronze and she puts another pressure on to earn the set-piece.

Greenwood whips it in, Daly gets up well but she can’t direct the header at goal. Confident start from England.

11:11 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Wow, first yellow card of the match already.

Greenwood knew what she was doing, slides in and hacks Kerr down, not a good challenge at all. Referee wastes no time in getting the card out.

11:10 , Matt Verri

9 mins: BIG SAVE!

That one would have counted for England. Greenwood with a brilliant ball over the top and Stanway is in for England, catches the strike well enough but Arnold denies her.

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

11:09 , Matt Verri

Whenever Kerr gets on the ball there is a shrill around this ground.

It hurts your ears. Incredible.

11:08 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Big save!

But the offside flag is up, it had to be. Kerr was suddenly clear through on goal, Carter and Bright are nowhere.

Earps stands tall and produces the save, before the flag eventually goes up. Was actually fairly tight.

11:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: It’s been a fairly scrappy start, neither side able to really get going on the ball.

More boos from the crowd, as Carter and Foord challenge for the ball and England get the throw-in decision.

11:03 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Barely 40 seconds played and the referee is having a word with Walsh, who brings Kerr down in the centre circle. You can imagine how well that went down with the crowd.

England are in their blue away kit for the first time this tournament.

KICK-OFF!

11:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running at Stadium Australia in this massive semi-final clash!

10:59 , Matt Verri

Kerr and Bright the two captains, very familiar with each other. That battle between the Chelsea team-mates could decide the match.

Anthems done. Handshakes done. We are ready.

Here we go!

10:55 , Matt Verri

Players are out onto the pitch, huge noise to greet them.

Bronze typically relaxed with a smile on her face, waving the smoke away that has covered the tunnel.

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

10:51 , Matt Verri

Amazing atmosphere in here pre kick-off. Some games at this tournament have seen grounds slow to fill up, but it’s packed here.

Aussies making a huge din.

Russo steps up for Lionesses

10:44 , Matt Verri

When an early chance went begging for Alessia Russo against Colombia, you feared for the England striker.

Before the quarter-final, she had been struggling for goals at this Women’s World Cup after finding the net just once in four games.

Within six minutes of that game Russo had the chance to double that tally, but she snatched at the chance and it was blocked. It would have been an easy moment for the Arsenal striker’s head to drop, even if the flag did go up, for her to think it just wasn’t her night.

Instead, however, it galvanised Russo and she was the Lionesses’ hero as they booked a semi-final showdown against Australia.

Click here for more on that!

Montage time!

10:39 , Matt Verri

Good memories for Australia!

10:33 , Matt Verri

These two sides met earlier this year, and it was Australia who came out on top to end England’s long unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman.

The Matildas are the only team to have beaten the Lionesses since Wiegman took charge - you’d imagine they will be taking confidence from that win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Pre-match thoughts from Jess Carter

10:28 , Matt Verri

“Everyone is pretty chilled to be fair,” Carter tells BBC One.

“Of course there is history in this kind of tournament for England, but we’re looking to write our own history and looking to write new ones. I think that everyone is just excited for the game.

“Everyone will go out there and give it their all and hopefully come out with a positive result.”

Third time lucky?

10:25 , Matt Verri

A third straight semi-final appearance at a World Cup for England - they’ve lost the last two.

They were beaten 2-1 by the USA four years ago, and it was the same scoreline when Japan knocked the Lionesses out in 2015.

Neither England or Australia have reached a World Cup final before, so something has got to give!

Gustavsson insists England are favourites

10:21 , Matt Verri

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson ramped up the mind games by labelling England as “massive favourites”.

Gustavsson believes the Lionesses’ financial resources and squad depth dwarf that of Australia, who are appearing in their first ever semi-final.

“If you look at rankings they’re favourites,” said Gustavsson.

“If you look at where their players play they have starting players in top clubs, in top leagues all over the world. Not just starting XI, down to 15, 16.

“Then compared to us, we have bench players in those teams. We have players playing in mid-table teams in Sweden.

“So if you look at all that and you look at resources, financially, obviously they are massive favourites going into this game.”

‘Matilda Mania’ hits Australia

10:17 , Matt Verri

The stars of the Australian team are everywhere you look in Sydney. From billboards to skyscrapers and even a mural by Bondi beach, a face from the squad greets you at every turn.

The media out here have dubbed it ‘Matilda Mania’ — and that will reach new levels as Australia face England for a place in the Women’s World Cup Final.

Given their status as European champions, England are used to big occasions and dealing with pressure. For once, though, the spotlight is not on them as all eyes are on the co-hosts.

More than 75,000 fans will fill Stadium Australia, while television companies are predicting the biggest viewing figures since Cathy Freeman raced to Olympic 400m gold here in 2000.

Like England did on home soil at last summer’s Euros, Australia have captured the imagination of a nation. Now their challenge is to make the most of it.

Read Simon Collings’ full preview here!

In the building!

10:13 , Matt Verri

How Australia made the last-four...

10:10 , Matt Verri

It was dramatic!

Australia’s quarter-final clash with France went all the way to penalties and it was a remarkable shootout!

Saves, misses, retaken penalties... it had it all. Here’s a reminder of how the Matildas made it through to the semi-finals.

Kelly: We’ll enjoy the pressure

10:04 , Matt Verri

Chloe Kelly has so often been the player for the big occasion.

She stepped up at last summer’s Euros, at the Women’s Finalissima earlier this year, with the winning penalty in the last-16 against Nigeria, and she is confident England are ready for this semi-final challenge.

“I think we’ve been brilliant so far,” Kelly said.

“Anything that’s been thrown at us, we have shown our character. We’ve shown resilience and we’ve found a way to deal with it. It’s about building as we go on, which is so important in tournament football.

“We have to stick together and enjoy the pressure we have put on us sometimes. For us it’s a privilege to be under that pressure.”

Rachel Yankey column

09:59 , Matt Verri

This Women’s World Cup could not have asked for much more than England facing Australia in Sydney — the only pity is that it is not the final.

The match will be a great occasion, because the rivalry between the two countries in any sporting environment is right up there.

I feel confident about the Lionesses winning this one, especially given Australia went to penalties against France in their quarter-final on Saturday. They must be emotionally drained after that, even if adrenaline can sometimes keep you going.

Read her full column here!

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

09:54 , Matt Verri

Walsh: Silencing the crowd is a nice feeling

09:49 , Matt Verri

Keira Walsh says that England are relishing a chance to silence Sydney.

Over 75,000 supporters are expected at Stadium Australia for the semi-final, with only around 8,000 of those England fans, but Walsh says Sarina Wiegman’s side are ready for the challenge.

“I think it [a home crowd] was massive for us at the Euros [last summer], especially in the final,” said the midfielder.

“In those moments where the opposition could potentially score, it kind of shifts momentum sometimes when you are playing and you know the crowd is behind you. It gives you that extra push.

“But I think also when you are playing against it, when you can quieten the crowd, it is also a very nice feeling. I think trying to take the momentum out of the game for them is going to be important.”

Simon Collings at Stadium Australia

09:44 , Matt Verri

Sam Kerr said in the build-up to this game that she was always aiming for a semi-final. Well, she has got her wish as she starts tonight.

Huge boost for Australia to have their captain back.

Australia team news

09:42 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Arnold, Catley, Hunt, Polkinghorne, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross, Raso, Gorry, Fowler, Foord, Kerr

Subs: Williams, Vine, Van Egmond, Simon, Nevin, Wheeler, Micah, Grant, Luik, Chidiac, Yallop

Lionesses unchanged!

09:39 , Matt Verri

As expected, Sarina Wiegman goes with the same side that beat Colombia.

The back-three system is once again preferred, with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly offering the width as wing-backs.

With Lauren James still suspended, Ella Toone continues as the No10, behind Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

England team news

09:35 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Earps, Bright, Greenwood, Carter, Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Russo, Hemp

Subs: Charles, Nobbs, Hampton, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Coombs, Kelly, England, Zelem, Roebuck, Robinson

Wiegman learning about rivalry!

09:31 , Matt Verri

Sarina Wiegman has been picking the brains of her England players and staff to learn more about the country’s rivalry with Australia.

A crowd of 75,000 are expected for the semi-final, the latest instalment in the long-standing rivalry between Australia and England, who played out a thrilling Ashes series earlier this summer. And Lionesses boss Wiegman, who is Dutch, is ready to get a crash course in the rivalry to get her up to speed.

“I will speak to my players and staff to see what that rivalry is then,” she said earlier this week.

“We have had such a warm welcome here and really enjoyed our time here in Australia. I actually really like the people here but that doesn’t mean there’s no rivalry, so we will see.”

Arsenal duo key for Matildas

09:22 , Matt Verri

Sam Kerr is pushing to start against England and her return to fitness has left Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson with a dilemma.

Before the Women’s World Cup, Chelsea star Kerr had formed a formidable partnership up front with Caitlin Foord. But when Kerr injured her calf ahead on the tournament, it forced Gustavsson into a re-think.

For Australia’s opening game, a 1-0 win against Ireland, he paired Foord with Mary Fowler. He then partnered Emily van Egmond with Foord for their second game, a shock 3-2 defeat by Nigeria. Neither partnership clicked and so, needing to win their final group game against Canada to reach the last-16, Gustavsson reached for the safety blanket.

Foord was moved to the wing, where she was able to reignite her partnership at club level with left-back Steph Catley. The pair have played together at Arsenal since 2020 and have developed what Australia assistant coach Aaron D’Antino calls a “telepathic” understanding. It certainly looked that way, as Australia ran out 4-0 winners, with Foord registering an assist and Catley scoring.

Click here for the full story!

Stanway reveals Chadwick support

09:13 , Matt Verri

Georgia Stanway has revealed how she is being mentored by former Manchester United midfielder Luke Chadwick.

Chadwick is helping the Lionesses star deal with the mental side of the game and providing off-field support. The former midfielder, 42, received abuse during his playing days and later admitted it impacted his mental health, and after retiring in 2016 he vowed to help other footballers.

Stanway began working with Chadwick in 2021 ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo and has carried on since then, with the 24-year-old speaking to him the day before every game at this World Cup.

“He went through his battles as a player and I was facing my own individual battles at Manchester City,” said Stanway, who now plays for Bayern Munich.

“He wanted to help mentor players - put them on the right path, make sure they didn’t experience what he did.

“He’s honestly one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and he cares for absolutely everybody. He’s just so focused on making sure that he improves each individual.”

Spain waiting in the final

09:05 , Matt Verri

Olga Carmona was Spain’s hero as the defender fired her country into their first Women’s World Cup final after a rollercoaster victory over Sweden yesterday.

What had been a cagey affair in Auckland came to life in the final ten minutes, with teenager Salma Paralluelo breaking the deadlock, only for Sweden to hit back through substitute Rebecka Blomqvist.

However, with the game headed for extra-time, Spain restored their lead immediately, Carmona firing in from long-range to earn a 2-1 win and break Swedish hearts once more.

Spain had never been beyond the last-16 of a World Cup coming into this tournament, but they marched on to Sunday’s final in Sydney.

Spy row in the build-up...

08:59 , Matt Verri

An Australian newspaper used a helicopter to spy on England’s final training session ahead of the semi-final.

The newspaper claimed they had managed to film England’s final training session by sending a helicopter over Sarina Wiegman’s preparations at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.

“If England’s Lionesses thought they would happily fly under the radar into the World Cup semi-final under the radar they were in for a rude shock,” they wrote.

“We’ve sent the chopper up to see how the old enemy are preparing… Welcome to the jungle, Lionesses, we’ve got fun and games.

“Just as we did last week when we wanted to know if Sam Kerr was back in full training mode or on restricted duties with her calf injury, The Daily Telegraph went to the sky with these exclusive aerial photographs of England’s final training run.

“‘It might not be in the spirit of football, but after last month’s men’s Ashes cricket series we will let the moral arbiters England pass judgment on what is and isn’t acceptable in the world of sport. But make no mistake, England are here to ruin Australia’s party.”

Perfect evening for it in Sydney!

08:52 , Matt Verri

Standard Sport prediction

08:47 , Matt Verri

England are playing themselves into the tournament. Neither team has quite been at their best so far but the England defence looks stronger at this point, while Kerr is not yet up to full speed.

It is likely to be a nervy occasion, but the Lionesses can spoil the party and secure a place in Sunday’s final.

England to win, 2-1.

England team news

08:40 , Matt Verri

England should be unchanged for today’s Women’s World Cup semi-final showdown.

The Lionesses will once again be without Lauren James, who remains unavailable due to suspension after her sending off against Nigeria in the last 16, and Ella Toone is expected to start in her absence as she did in the quarter-final win over Colombia.

It would be a surprise if Wiegman moved away from the back-three system she has favoured in recent matches, with Alex Greenwood in particular excelling against Colombia. Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly will continue as the wing-backs.

Keira Walsh’s tournament appeared to be over when she was stretchered off with a knee injury against Denmark, but she made a remarkably swift recovery and has played all 210 minutes across the two knockout-stage wins.

Alessia Russo is set to continue leading the line with Lauren Hemp, with the Arsenal striker likely to be full of confidence after scoring what proved to be the winner in the quarter-finals.

Predicted England XI (3-4-1-2): Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; Toone; Russo, Hemp

Australia team news

08:33 , Matt Verri

Star striker Sam Kerr was not fully over her injury to start for the co-hosts in the quarter-finals before coming on against France, but she has declared herself fit to face England.

“When I hurt my calf, the plan was always to be ready for a semi-final, the final.

“So, I could have [started against France], but who knows what could have happened? The girls have been smashing it and absolutely dominating.

“I was ready to go, but we’ve had a plan this whole tournament and we just had to stick to it. That was part of the plan, to get 20 minutes against Denmark [in the last 16] to make me feel better for this game and now with another, what, 65 minutes, I feel better for it and I’ll have more training under my belt. So, I feel ready to go.”

How to watch Australia vs England

08:27 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage starting at 10.30am.

Live stream: The BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website will have free live streams for fans online.

Live blog: Follow all the action right here with us, featuring expert analysis from Simon Collings at the stadium.

Good morning!

08:21 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Australia vs England!

A huge occasion in Sydney, it’s a Women’s World Cup semi-final clash between the hosts and the European champions, for a place in the final on Sunday against Spain.

Fair to say the Lionesses are going to be pretty unpopular - up to 80,000 fans expected to be roaring the Matildas on.

We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 11am BST from Stadium Australia.