England secured their first FIFA Women’s World Cup final appearance following a thrilling 3-1 win over Australia in Sydney.

Ella Toone had given the Lionesses a first-half lead before Sam Kerr equalised for the co-hosts.

But goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo set up a decider with Spain on Sunday.

It was an open game from the start, and England was denied the lead inside the first 10 minutes.

This was when Mackenzie Arnold saved Georgia Stanway’s shot with her right leg following a fine pass from Alex Greenwood.

England edged ahead in the 36th minute when Russo showed tenacity in the penalty area to pull the ball back for Ms Toone to rifle a shot into the top corner.

But Australia levelled in the 63rd minute with an even finer strike, as Ms Kerr received the ball on the halfway line before running at her Chelsea teammate Millie Bright.

She then unleashed a 30-yard rocket, which flew over Mary Earps.

Yet parity lasted just eight minutes as the Australia defence failed to deal with Bright’s long ball forward, and Hemp showed great desire and placed her shot beyond Arnold.

Kerr missed two great chances to equalise again for the Matildas before England made certain of their final spot with four minutes to go.

This was when Hemp played a superb pass through to Russo, and her angled drive beat Arnold.

The result means the Lionesses will now have the chance to follow up their UEFA Women’s EURO triumph when they take on Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday.

Co-hosts Australia will be looking to claim a consolation prize when they take on Sweden in the third-place match on Saturday. 

(NAN)