WORLD CUP NOTEBOOK: England legend Jill Scott continues to inspire the Lionesses while Ella Toone makes history with her goal against Australia
- England defeated tournament hosts Australia to reach the World Cup final
- Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed the victory
- Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte brings you the things you may have missed
England are one step from glory after defeating Australia to reach the World Cup final.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave Sarina Wiegman’s side a 3-1 victory over the tournament hosts.
They will now prepare for what should be a cracking final on Sunday when they play Spain – with both sides looking to win their first Women’s World Cup.
Should the Lionesses prevail, they will cement a historic double after winning the Euros last year.
Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte brings you the things that you may have missed from the clash on Wednesday.
England are one step from glory after winning their World Cup semi-final with Australia
Great Scott is still inspiring England
Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway made a bee-line for former player Jill Scott at full time. Scott, who retired after winning the Euros last summer, is working with the FA on their YouTube show Lionesses Live and staying in the team hotel.
She was crowned Queen of the Jungle after she won I’m a Celebrity at the end of last year. England are one game from being Queens of the World.
Keira Walsh (left) and Georgia Stanway celebrated with Jill Scott (right) after the match
Aussies left feeling blue
Superstitious fans had worried that England’s blue kit would be a curse. The only other time the Lionesses had worn their away strip was in their 2-0 friendly defeat by Australia in April.
That was the only game that Sarina Wiegman had lost as England manager. But by full time, it was the Aussies who were feeling blue.
Irony in host’s choice of song
FIFA decided to play both England and Australia’s victory songs before kick-off in an attempt to gee up the crowd.
The Aussie fans happily sang along to England’s choice of Sweet Caroline. In a strange sense of irony, the Aussies’ song is You’re the Voice by John Farnham — who was born in Dagenham.
Fans arrive late
Trains from the centre of Sydney to Stadium Australia were re-named the Matildas Express, with fans commenting on how efficient the service had been during the tournament.
But a signalling issue meant some fans arrived late and the problems persisted after the game. Jubilant England fans did not care but glum Aussies just wanted to get home.
Toone makes history
Ella Toone’s goal makes her the first player, male or female, to have scored in a major tournament quarter-final, semi-final and final for England.
Ella Toone became the first player, male or female, to score in a major tournament quarter-final, semi-final and final for England
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