Lauren Hemp’s second-half strike helped fire England into their first World Cup final as the Lionesses sealed a 3-1 victory over co-hosts Australia in front of a sold-out crowd in Sydney.
Ella Toone, who replaced the suspended Lauren James for England’s quarter-final win over Colombia, netted 36 minutes into her second start of the tournament in front of a crowd of 75,784.
Australia captain Sam Kerr, making her first start of the competition, equalised for the first-time semi-finalists with a stunning individual goal after the break before Hemp put England back out in front.
Alessia Russo added another late in the second half to cap off the historic encounter and set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday night in Sydney.
This is how Telegraph Sport rated the England players.
Mary Earps - 7
Good save early on from Kerr when she was not to know that the flag would be raised for offside. Not helped by a slight deflection for Kerr’s superb equaliser.
Jess Carter - 7
Guilty of poor distribution and set up an Aussie attack with one misplaced pass but did well in the one-on-one battles on the right side of England’s defence.
Millie Bright - 8
Sublime assist for Hemp’s goal with a delicious 50-yard pass. Backed off Kerr for her goal, and invited a shot. But went about her business quietly and effectively and posed a set-piece threat, heading wide from a corner.
Alex Greenwood - 8
Up and down the pitch, making an impact in attack and also looking a solid part of the defence with her positioning. Very mature performance. BOOKED.
Lucy Bronze - 8
Tactically spot-on. Pushed right up to stop the supply to Australia’s dangerous players. Almost scored with a superb lob at the other end and put her body on the line with blocks.
Georgia Stanway - 8
Showed tenacity and energy in midfield by winning the ball back but also had quality on the ball with her passing range.
Keira Walsh - 8
Understated but not undervalued with her positioning in front of the back three, protecting her defenders and cutting off angles of attack for Australia.
Rachel Daly - 7
She is a natural goalscorer but her good work was in defence, getting her head on crosses and keeping the Aussies quiet from her flank. She still supported attacks.
Ella Toone - 8
World-class finish from the European Championship hero, finding the top corner from just inside the area. Always looked a threat going forward and put in the yards.
Alessia Russo - 8
Got the goal that her performance deserved. While the chances were difficult to come by, her graft was a big part of this performance and she was the first line of defence.
Lauren Hemp - 9
Before she got her goal she was showing her threat from long distance. When the chance came she kept her cool. Then set up the Russo goal with a beautiful reverse pass.
Subs: Charles 90 (Toone) Kelly BOOKED 87 (Russo)
Not used: Nobbs, Hampton (g), Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Coombs, England, Zelem, Roebuck (g), Robinson
Referee: Tori Penso (USA)
