England are through to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The Lioness’s knocked co-hosts Australia out after beating them 3-1 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. This means that they have reached their first World Cup Final and have the chance to lift a major piece of silverware for their country, something which hasn’t been done since 1966 when the man’s side beat West Germany in the final to lift the trophy. Since then, many England sides have gone through different tournaments perhaps only reaching the quarter finals or semi finals.
The result should bring a major boost to the UK economy with an improvement in the sales figures for sporting goods and merchandise as well as acting as an incentive for young girls who want to go in to a career in football. This is mainly seen as a male dominated sport but having seen what the Lionesses have done beating the Matildas in their own backyard, it should give anyone looking to follow in the footsteps of many of the players the belief that they can achieve anything when given the right opportunity.
England went in to the game in good spirits having been boyd on by the memories of when they won the Euros the previous year. They also had memories of defeats to Japan in 2015 and USA in 2019 to cast aside. They played in front of a packed stadium with an incredible atmosphere but any doubts they may have had soon disappeared as they went through the gears and turned on the charm in what was a hotly contested match.
The Lionesses were the higher ranked side following their victory in the Euros the previous year but it was an extremely competitive and tense semi-final in which both teams had opportunities to score.
There were deafening roars as the Australians entered the stadium and went on the pitch, however this was soon drowned out and silenced when England took the advantage and scored. The Lionesses took the lead when Ella Toone became the first England player to score at a major tournament quarter final, semi final and final.
A few half-chances came Australia’s way – Kerr raced through on goal and was offside when goalkeeper Mary Earps blocked her strike – but England brushed them off instantly.
At the other end, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo’s flourishing partnership up front caused havoc for Australia as they linked up instinctively, creating chances and terrifying the hosts’ defence.
A few half-chances came Australia’s way – Kerr raced through on goal and was offside when goalkeeper Mary Earps blocked her strike – but England brushed them off instantly.
At the other end, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo’s flourishing partnership up front caused havoc for Australia as they linked up instinctively, creating chances and terrifying the hosts’ defence.
England boss Sarina Wiegman said reaching the World Cup Final is like a fairy tale. She also stated that it was an unbelievable moment that should be remembered through out the country for a long time.
“We made the first final in 2017 [with the Netherlands] and thought this is really special, it might not ever happen again. Then you make the second, the third and the fourth and still think this might never happen again because there is so much competition.”
England will play in a first football World Cup final since the men’s side won the 1966 tournament.
“I can hardly describe how proud I am of the team,” said Wiegman.
“This team has adapted all the time. Before the tournament, during the tournament then this game again – how we came through and found a way to win again is so incredible.”
According to official statistics, the match was watched by around seven million people on BBC TV making it one of the most watched programmes that day. Former England player claimed that the players spirit was incredible and that they were showing everyone how to play the game as a team.
The Lionesses now go on to play Spain in the final on Sunday morning.
