The England icon has sent his congratulations to the Lionesses for making it past the quarter-finals and into the next stage of the Women’s World Cup
Gary Lineker was full of praise for the Lionesses
Gary Lineker has heaped praise on the Lionesses after they came from behind to beat Colombia and book their place in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
It was a cagey start to the contest in Sydney, 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 Catalina 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 Georgia Stanway. The Arsenal forward’s strike means England advance to the last four, and Lineker was full of praise for the Lionesses’ achievement.
Posting on Twitter, the Match of the Day host said: Victory again for @ Lionesses and they’re through to the semifinals. This is a side that knows how to win. Marvellous!”
Russo’s match-winning strike was her second goal at this summer’s tournament, but the 24-year-old insisted after the game England’s success is all about the team.
“I think we’ve been put up against a lot this tournament and we always find a way through,” she told the media. “We never give up. We have such a good team bond off the pitch, I think that’s important.
“Training is so competitive but off the pitch we enjoy each other’s company and have a good time. The standards are high on the pitch but we know we have each other’s backs, too.”
England will now begin their preparations for Wednesday’s semi-final, where they’ll meet co-hosts Australia in Sydney. The Matildas edged past France to keep their World Cup dream alive, with Cortnee Vine slotting the winning penalty in the shootout.
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