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      England fans go wild as heroic Lionesses reach first World Cup final since 1966… AND get one over the Aussies

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      ENGLAND’S heroic Lionesses have sent the country into pandemonium after making history in Australia. Sarina Wiegman’s side struck gold Down Under as they progressed into England’s first World Cup final since 1966.
      England’s heroic Lionesses made history in AustraliaCredit: AFP
      England fans were in pandemonium as the Lionesses reached the World Cup finalCredit: AP
      It is England’s first World Cup final since 1966Credit: PA
      Fans were in raptures across the countryCredit: Reuters
      While the Aussies were left heartbroken

      Ella Toone’s stunning strike was followed up by cool finishes from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo for England to see off co-hosts Australia with a hard-fought 3-1 win.
      And the countdown has now begun before Sunday’s final against Spain, who like England, are in the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history.

      While it was joy for England, Australia were left heartbroken.
      Many supporters of the co-hosts at the match in Sydney were in tears as the Matildas crashed out.
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      Back at home, England fans were toasting success in pubs up and down the country.
      There was chaos at BOXPARK Wembley as supporters, many in face paint, erupted over early morning pints.
      Many were draped in St George’s flags as they went wild as the Lionesses did them proud – and even better, got one over the Aussies.
      England hero Gary Lineker took to Twitter to praise the Lionesses, tweeting: “Well played @Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance. A World Cup final.
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      Ella Toone opened the scoring with a stunning goalCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp put England back aheadCredit: Getty
      Alessia Russo sealed the deal for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      England boss Sarina Wiegman celebrated with captain Millie BrightCredit: PA
      “A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.”
      SunSport columnist Piers Morgan joked it was revenge for the summer’s controversial Ashes series, writing: “England’s fabulous@Lionesses crush Australia’s wilting Matildas 3-1 in their own back yard to reach the Women’s World Cup Final…
      “Sweet revenge for the Jonny Bairstow Ashes runout debacle.
      “Congrats ladies- you’ve made your country proud! 👏👏👏.”
      England reaction
      England defender Lucy Bronze declared it was a dream come true for her and her team-mates.
      Speaking to the BBC, she said: “The one thing I’ve always wanted to do is get to a World Cup final.
      “After two times of such disappointment, I can’t believe it.
      “We played how we wanted to, we were determined, resilient. We knew the crowd would be crazy and we talked about silencing them and at the end we did that.
      “We all dreamed of being in the final, all our family and friends have boked to stay here until then because they all believed in us.
      “It’s been amazing to play against Australia, in Australia, what a fantastic tournament they had but we’re in the final.”
      Sarina Wiegman hailed her England team in an emotional interview with the BBC, saying: “The way we played… of course it was a hard game but we found a way to win. You’ve been talking about ruthlessness all the time, in this team there is ruthlessness. Whether it’s in attack or defence, we really want to keep the ball out of the net.
      “We stuck to the plan. I think [Australia have] done an incredible job. They really grew into the tournament. They’ve had some setbacks too… they had to win the last game in the group stage. As a team they are really tough to play against. Yeah, what a performance.
      “[On reaching a second World Cup final]. I don’t know. I just said… am I in a little fairytale or something?”
      Injury-stricken Lioness Beth Mead praised her team-mates as she said: “WORLD CUP FINAL BABBYY, GET IN @Lionesses 🥳🥳🥳.”
      Amazing journey
      Despite huge injuries to Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby impacting the squad before the tournament, the brave Lionesses have overcome each obstacle they have faced so far.
      England kicked off their tournament with a stuttering 1-0 win over Haiti, before felling Denmark with the same score six days later.
      BOXPARK Wembley saw some of the wildest celebrationsCredit: Getty
      Fans were draped in St George’s flagsCredit: Getty
      It was tears of joy for England fansCredit: Getty
      A screening at Canary Wharf also saw supporters celebrating the Lionesses successCredit: PA
      While the Aussie crowd appeared glum after falling to defeatCredit: Getty
      A Lauren James-inspired England then roared into life as they thrashed China 6-1 in their final group stage match.
      However, it was James who soon became the pantomime villain after her needless red card against Nigeria in the Last 16.
      Penalties followed after a goalless affair.
      But the Lionesses held their nerve, with Chloe Kelly’s rocket of a penalty seeing us through to the quarter-finals, where our the side – captained by Millie Bright – faced off with Colombia.
      Once again the opponent proved to be tough, with the South Americans taking the lead shortly before half-time.
      But a last-gasp first-half equaliser from Hemp sent England into the interval level before Russo netted the decisive winner as England marched into the semi-final.
      The Matildas, bolstered by a returning Sam Kerr, would prove to be the biggest hurdle of all.
      Toone’s first half strike was cancelled out by a Kerr stunner in the 63rd minute.
      However, Hemp fired the Lionesses back in front eight minutes later, shoving off her marker before slotting her shot into the bottom corner.
      The Women’s Super Leagues first million pound star Russo then sealed the deal with her tidy finish into the bottom corner in the 86th minute.
      Read More on The Sun
      With the win England’s Lionesses have made history by reaching their first World Cup final.
      And we’re all desperate for them to repeat their trick of winning the Euros last year.
      A Sky reporter was caught up in the celebrations in Australia More

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      England storm into first Women’s World Cup final as Toone, Hemp and Russo seal stunning 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia

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      ENGLAND reached their first World Cup final since 1966 with a stunning 3-1 win over hosts Australia.Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed the Lionesses first ever Women’s World Cup final appearance as they celebrated a huge victory in Sydney.
      England reached a first World Cup final since 1966Credit: PA
      Ella Toone opened the scoring for England nine minutes before half-timeCredit: Reuters
      The sensational strike gave the Lionesses the lead at the breakCredit: AFP
      England’s players stormed off the bench to celebrate with RussoCredit: Reuters
      Toone fired Sarina Wiegman’s side in front in the first half, running onto Russo’s cutback and rifling a venomous effort across goal and high into the net.
      Kerr then levelled shortly after the hour mark when she collected the ball inside her own half, drove at the England defence and unleashed an unstoppable 25-yard screamer into the top corner.
      But the Euros champions responded in superb fashion as Hemp curled home to regain the Lionesses lead.
      And Russo capped a wonderful display with a late third as England now prepare to face Spain in Sunday’s final.
      READ MORE ON WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
      England fans packed out pubs and bars across the country to support the triumphant Lionesses.
      The historic result comes after the Lionesses had previously been eliminated at the semi-final stage in each of the last two World Cups.

      They were beaten by Japan in 2015 and the USA four years ago – but now they are finally into the final.
      And they will be looking to add to last year’s Euros glory when they return to Stadium Australia at the weekend.
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      Sam Kerr equalised with a second-half stunnerCredit: Reuters
      The Australian striker brought her country roaring back into the semi-finalCredit: Reuters
      Lauren Hemp put England back in front with 19 minutes remainingCredit: PA
      Hemp netted just eight minutes after Kerr’s levellerCredit: Reuters
      Alessia Russo added a third for England in the closing stagesCredit: Reuters
      Kerr and her Australian team-mates were left devastatedCredit: Getty
      After media chat Down Under of Kerr being Earps’ kryptonite and attempts to talk up a rivalry, Wiegman’s aces would have been keen to show why their opponents were no match for the Euros champs in a major tournament.
      Welcome to the Jungle was the line used by the Daily Telegraph Down Under after they revealed they had flown an aircraft over England’s training to film the session in action. 
      However, Wednesday’s game showed why the Lionesses are ready to become the new queens of world football as they overcame the team that ended their 30-game unbeaten run in April. 
      The tournament co-hosts were boosted by star striker Kerr making her first contest start despite being seen with an icepack on her leg yesterday. 
      But while Hayley Raso blazed a shot over the bar near the half-hour mark, the best chances of the game fell to the visitors.
      England took a 36th-minute lead with Toone’s stunning angled finish partly silencing the home fans. 
      Australian fans were seen crying in the stands as the hosts exited the tournament
      And Hemp, who put in a player of the match display, went close to making it 2-0 in the 43rd minute with a header, before the referee blew her whistle for a foul in the box.
      The second half saw the hosts up the ante with England defenders Millie Bright and Jess Carter doing a good job of marshalling Kerr. 
      But their Chelsea pal later showed exactly why she is one of the world’s best strikers when she smashed in a corking leveller from distance after being given too much space on the ball. 
      But England refused to be overawed by the roar that followed that goal. 
      Read More on The Sun
      And they retook the lead through Hemp after she latched on to an old-fashioned long ball forward from Bright.
      And Wiegman’s warriors weathered a late barrage before Hemp teed up Russo to seal the win. More

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      Alessia Russo hits a bullseye while playing darts with pal Ella Toone in Lionesses camp

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      ENGLAND’S Alessia Russo proves her pinpoint shooting accuracy transcends sports – by hitting a bullseye.The star striker, nicknamed the “Russonator” for her robotic precision, played darts with best pal Ella Toone in the Lionesses camp.
      Alessia Russso lines up with her arrowsCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
      Alessia watches her dart approach the boardCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
      And she celebrates hitting the bullCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES
      Video showed new Arsenal signing Russo, 24, score a perfect 50 pointer on Monday to beat her former Man United teammate.
      She said “I’m buzzing” while celebrating.
      But Tooney, 23, joked: “I don’t even play. She’s retiring.”
      Russo has scored twice in this World Cup and will hope to surpass Lauren James, who scored three goals before her red card against Nigeria, as top scorer by netting against Australia.
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      At 11, Alessia was tipped as a future England star by goalscoring great Kelly Smith – and now, 13 years later, she really is making the Lionesses roar.
      The World Cup forward, who scored the winning goal against Colombia on Saturday to take England into the semi-finals, has been dubbed the “golden girl” of the Women’s Super League.
      The 24-year-old had already cemented her place in the nation’s hearts with a spectacular backheel goal for England in last year’s Euros semi-final against Sweden which was named the Goal of the Tournament.
      Now, a month after her transfer to Arsenal from Manchester United, Alessia — known to her family as Lessi — is lighting up the World Cup too.
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      Ace Alessia’s bullseyeCredit: TWITTER/LIONESSES More

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      England’s Lionesses’ embarrassingly low wages compared to men revealed including bonuses if they win Women’s World Cup

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses will get paid a fraction of the money their male counterparts received for their World Cup exploits – even if they lift the trophy.Sarina Wiegman’s side face Australia in tomorrow’s Women’s World Cup semi-final.
      England will pocket £3.38m if they win the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      The men’s team received £13.38m for reaching the quarter-finals at Qatar 2022Credit: Getty
      It is the third time in a row England have reached the final four, losing on their two previous appearances.
      But Fifa figures expose the huge discrepancy between the pay for the men’s and women’s tournaments.
      All countries across the two events were given a £1.18million fee for qualifying for the group stages.
      However, the overall prize pot for the women’s edition stands at just a quarter of the men’s.

      Fifa boosted the women’s fund by 226 per cent to £86m for Australia-New Zealand 2023 while the Qatar 2022 number was £346m.
      As for the winners, Argentina landed a cool £33m but the nation that wins Sunday’s final in Sydney will receive just £3.38m.
      The beaten finalists will get £2.37m while England are guaranteed at least £1.93m for reaching the semis.
      By comparison, Gareth Southgate’s men earned England a whopping £13.38m – despite getting knocked out in the quarter-finals.
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      And teams that went home after the group stages collected more than £7m – double that of the Women’s World Cup champions.
      The USA, who won it 2015 and 2019, crashed out in the last 16 this time around.
      But the total money won by the women’s team and the men in Qatar, around £12.79m, will be divvied up evenly among the 49 players after an equal-pay agreement was reached.
      It means, once ten per cent is sliced off for US Soccer, the footballers will take home approximately £234,000 each.
      The average annual wage for female footballers globally is around £11,000 – although the BBC stated last year in England’s WSL it is around £47,000.
      However, that is a tiny proportion of the men in the Premier League, who earn an average of £60,000 per week which equates to £3.12m a year.
      That prompted Fifa to introduce bonuses for the individual players at the Women’s World Cup on top of the country’s prize money.
      It means all 23 members of the trophy-winning squad on Sunday will pocket £212,500.
      By reaching the last four, the Lionesses have already secured £129,000 as a personal bonus from Fifa – more than double the £55,000 they got for winning the Euros in 2022.
      ‘REAL AND MEANINGFUL IMPACT’
      The men received £300,000 each for reaching the Euro 2020 final the year before – and would have got £460,000 per player had they won the shootout against Italy at Wembley.
      England pay their Three Lions and Lionesses £2,000 every time they represent the national team, with the men’s match fees given straight to charity.
      But the disparity for FA bonuses triggered a public statement from the Lionesses blasting the national governing body on the eve of the World Cup.
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino hailed the “unprecedented new distribution model” for personal player bonuses at the Women’s World Cup, which sealed at least £23,600 for all 732 players at the tournament.
      He said: “Eeach individual player can now fully rely on remuneration for their efforts as they progress through the tournament.
      “The captain that ultimately lifts the iconic Fifa Women’s World Cup Trophy on August 20 in Sydney will receive $270,000 (£212,500), as will each of her 22 team-mates.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The global salary of women’s professional footballers is approximately $14,000 (£11,000) annually so the amounts allocated under this unprecedented new distribution model will have a real and meaningful impact on the lives and careers of these players.
      “Beyond this, all member associations will also receive a record financial distribution based on their performance, which they can use to reinvest back into football in their countries and which we believe will help to propel the women’s game even further.”
      Leah Williamson and the rest of the Lionesses got £55,000 each for winning the EurosCredit: PA
      Argentina landed £33m – ten times the amount Sunday’s victorious nation will getCredit: Getty
      Fifa World Cup prize money per country
      MEN’S – QATAR 2022
      Group stage: £7.08m
      Round of 16: £10.23m
      Quarter-finals: £13.38m
      Fourth place: £19.68m
      Third place: £21.25m
      Runner-up: £23.61m
      Winner: £33.06m
      WOMEN’S – AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 2023
      Group stage: £1.18m
      Round of 16: £1.47m
      Quarter-finals: £1.72m
      Fourth place: £1.93m
      Third place: £2m
      Runner-up: £2.37m
      Winner: £3.38m More

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      Who is Sam Kerr and what is her salary?

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      SAM Kerr is captain of the Australian Women’s Football team and is playing her fourth world cup in 2023. She’s had some ups and downs in her career. Here’s what we know about her career.
      Sam Kerr plays for Chelsea and her national side Australia
      Who is Sam Kerr?
      Sam was born in East Fremantale, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia.
      Her parents are Roxanne and Roger Kerr.
      Sam comes from a sporty family with her father being a professional Australian rules football player.
      As of August 2023, she is in a relationship with her girlfriend, American soccer player Kristie Mews.

      Sam played Australian rules football when she was a child, but switched to association football when she was 12, mostly due to gender restrictions.
      Sam faced some struggles during the transition but was spotted by Perth Glory striker Bobby Despotovski.
      He described her athleticism and raw talent as “exceptional”.
      In 2009, at the age of 15, Sam debuted with the Matildas as a substitute in a match against Italy.
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      A year later she played in her first major tournament, the Asian Cup, in China.
      She helped the team secure their first-ever title by scoring the opening goal in the team’s victory against North Korea during the final.
      She played in her first Women’s World Cup in 2011 at the age of 17.
      Despite a series of injuries, Sam was picked for all five matches the Matildas played at the 2015 World Cup.
      She also represented her nation at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
      Sam helped the team advance to the quarterfinals before they were eliminated by Brazil.
      In 2018, Sam was also a driving force for the team during their run to the Asian Cup final but they lost the title match to Japan.
      Sam was chosen as Australia’s captain ahead of the Women’s World Cup in 2019.
      During the tournament she scored her first World Cup goal claiming four in total in a victory against Jamaica.
      She was one goal short of the Women’s World Cup individual single-game scoring record which is shared by Michelle Akers and Alex Morgan.
      The team then progressed into the round of 16 but were eliminated by Norway during penalty kicks.
      Sam, however, maintained her scoring streak by securing six of the 11 goals scored by the Australian team at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
      Australia were later eliminated by the United States in the bronze medal match.
      Sam was selected for the 2023 World Cup in her home nation, despite recovering from a calf injury she sustained earlier in 2023.
      In the quarter finals she played for 65 minutes against France, and scored in the penalty shoot-out, sending the Aussie team into the semi-finals against England.
      The forward holds the all-time record for the most goals scored for the Matildas – 63.
      What is Sam Kerr’s salary?
      It’s reported Sam earns a hefty £417,000 annually.
      Sam is reportedly the highest paid player in women’s football.
      She is also considered to be one of the best strikers in the world and in 2022 was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
      However, Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest paid male footballer earns £173 million per year, over £172 million more than Sam.
      Who has Sam Kerr played for?
      Sam made her debut for Chelsea FC on January 5 2020 against Reading.
      She started her career at Perth Glory in 2008, leaving in 2011.
      She returned for the 2014/2015 season after playing for Sydney FC and Western New York Flash.
      Sam then joined Sky Blue FC and Chicago Red Stars before her move to the west London club.
      She won the League Cup and Women’s Super League title in her first and second season at Stamford Bridge, and helped Chelsea make it to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, although they lost to Barcelona.
      In the 2020/2021 season, she scored 21 goals in 22 games, claiming the Golden Boot.
      She is first player to win this accolade in three different leagues.
      With her help, the Blues secured three consecutive FA Cup wins from 2021-2023, and two more Super League titles in 2022 and 2023.
      Is Sam Kerr on Instagram?
      Sam is on Instagram and can be found at @samanthakerr20.
      Read More on The Sun
      As of August 2023 she boasts 1.4 million followers.
      She regularly posts photos of her life and football. More

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      Mason Greenwood fans target Man Utd women’s players with messages demanding they support bringing suspended striker back

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      MANCHESTER United’s women footballers have been targeted by supporters wanting them to back Mason Greenwood’s return.Stars preparing for England’s semi-final tomorrow against hosts Australia at the Women’s World Cup have been put under pressure as the club continues to deliberate over the suspended striker’s future.
      Mason Greenwood has not played for Manchester United since January last yearCredit: Getty
      Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested for attempted rape, assault and coercive control last January.
      The charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remains suspended by United, despite recent talk suggesting a possible return from their head coach Erik ten Hag.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      And protests against his possible return were staged outside United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last night at Old Trafford.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Now players on United’s women’s team have received messages from Greenwood fans urging them to back his return.
      Among those contacted are England internationals currently in Australia on Women’s World Cup duty – Mary Earps, Ella Toone and club captain Katie Zelem.
      They have been targeted in responses from Greenwood fans to social media posts by United celebrating their involvement in England’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia last Saturday.
      The messages were seen by players, according to The Athletic.
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      An Instagram post by United hailing their three Lionesses for reaching the semi-final was bombarded with comments urging them to support Greenwood in returning to action/
      It was previously revealed United’s Lionesses would be among those players consulted over what to do about Greenwood.
      One female fan outside Monday night’s Premier League opener at Old Trafford held an expletive-laden poster blasting the club’s refusal so far to rule out a comeback by Greenwood.
      It read: “Don’t leave the decision up to the women’s team, you spineless, motherless f***s.”
      A group called Female Fans Against Mason Greenwood’s Return have called on United to never let him play again, saying: “We are calling on the club to do the right thing.
      “For their fans, for their employees, for the millions of young boys and girls across the world who look up to our players as heroes and role models – and the millions of women whose lives have been blighted by violence and abuse.
      “To the decision-makers at the club, remember; this goes beyond football.
      “This decision is a reflection of you, your morals; of who you are as individuals, and as humans. 
      “Will you stand with abusers, or with the abused? History will judge your choices. Make sure you choose well.
      “We female fans of Man United are demanding that the club abide by their duty of care towards their female fans and employees.
      “Demonstrate a zero tolerance approach towards acts of violence against women by refusing to bring Mason Greenwood back into the squad.”
      The Sun exclusively revealed that top-level discussions about a possible return are nearly concluded, while Greenwood has the backing of his teammates as well as his manager ten Hag.
      However, he suffered a major blow to his hopes as he was excluded from the team’s provisional squad list.
      Greenwood was last week seen practising his skills at public training grounds rather than his club’s base at Carrington.
      He was joined there by Ben Mangan, who describes himself as an “individual professional football coach”.
      Greenwood was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      Two days after the Iceland game he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel where they were staying.
      The Sun revealed earlier this summer former United boss Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan to Italian Serie A side Roma.
      Read More on The Sun
      United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about potential moves.
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      Goalkeeper Mary Earps is among the United women’s team players targetedCredit: Reuters
      Her England and United team-mate Ella Toone is another coming under pressureCredit: Getty
      Manchester United Women’s captain Katie Zelem is also in Australia for the Lionesses
      Protests about United’s approach were held ahead of their match on Monday nightCredit: Getty More

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      Teen who raised £26K for NHS during pandemic will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ for Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final clash

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      A GIRL who inspired the nation to do 7.1million keepy-uppies will wear her “lucky shirt” tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-final.Imogen Papworth-Heidel was 11 when she raised £26,000 to support NHS key workers during the pandemic, completing over 1.1million kick-ups herself.
      Imogen Papworth-Heidel will wear her ‘lucky shirt’ tomorrow for the Lionesses’ World Cup semi-finalCredit: Louis Wood
      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were ‘ready for the fight’Credit: PA
      Lioness Lucy Bronze sent the youngster, now 13, her signed shirt, which Imogen will wear at her home in Suffolk for the game against Australia.
      Imogen’s dad Karl, 53, said: “My daughter will be wearing that when she cheers on the Lionesses on Tuesday.
      “She’s been absolutely glued to every game.
      “Imogen just can’t get enough of it and the footie is really keeping her occupied during the summer holidays.
      read more on Lionesses
      “Lucy Bronze’s shirt normally hangs pride of place on Imogen’s bedroom wall, but she’ll be wearing it when England take on Australia.
      “She’s convinced that her lucky shirt will help them win.
      “She hardly ever takes it off the wall and she’s scared of getting it dirty in case washing it will erase Lucy’s autograph.
      “Lucy’s her absolute hero.”
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      England’s Keira Walsh, 26, yesterday said the team were “ready for the fight”. More

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      England vs Australia – Women’s World Cup: Lionesses look to shatter Aussie dreams in huge semi-final – stream FREE, TV

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      ENGLAND are two Women’s World Cup wins away from creating history – but hosts Australia stand in their way.Alessia Russo’s superb second-half strike sent giant killers Colombia crashing out at the quarter-final stage.
      England beat Colombia in a superb quarter-final clashCredit: Getty
      And many labelled England’s performance as heroic having had to fight from 1-0 down after Santos’ incredible effort.
      However, Sarina Wiegman’s women are set to enter a cauldron for the semi-final as they take on Australia in their own backyard.
      The Aussies got the better of England when the sides last met in April – but that was a friendly.
      England are yet to lose a competitive match under Wiegman.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      And the Lionesses have continued to prove that they can produce a result when it matters, no matter the circumstances.
      For that reason, they are approaching the game with confidence and some cautious optimism.
      What is their form like?
      England are undefeated so far at this Women’s World Cup, having secured wins over Haiti, Denmark, China, Nigeria (on penalties) and Colombia.
      Meanwhile, Australia have suffered one defeat – to Nigeria.
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      The Matildas suffered a 3-2 loss to the Super Falcons in the group stages before sealing a 4-0 win over Canada to top Group B.
      Australia saw off France in the quarter-finals, winning 7-6 on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
      Who will be the star players?
      Alex Greenwood has been an unsung hero for the Lionesses so far at the Women’s World Cup.
      Her performances in defence have been faultless and she is a real leader among the team.
      Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp are also ones to watch.
      Both strikers were excellent in Saturday’s game against Colombia and were rewarded with a goal each.
      Hemp and Russo both scored against ColombiaCredit: Getty
      Kerr is Australia’s star playerCredit: EPA
      For Australia, Sam Kerr is most certainly the player to watch.
      Although she has missed a chunk of the tournament so far due to an injury, the striker is likely to start against England.
      Kerr scored against the Lionesses when the Matildas earned a 2-0 win over them in a friendly in April.
      What has been said?
      England boss Wiegman does not fear the Matildas. In fact, she is excited about Wednesday’s clash.
      Speaking to the media on Saturday, she said: “It is going to be really big. I’ve had a couple of questions about the rivalry, so it’s going to be bigger than I thought it was.
      “I really like the people here, but that doesn’t mean there’s no rivalry here.”
      SunSport’s prediction
      One thing is for sure – this’ll definitely be a tight game.
      But England have found a way to win when it matters on every occasion since Wiegman took over, no matter how good the opponent.
      So for that reason, we think England could progress on Wednesday.
      Prediction: England 2-1 Australia
      When is England vs Australia?

      England’s huge semi-final contest against Australia will take place on Wednesday, August 16.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 11am BST.
      Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia is the allocated arena for this intriguing contest and it can host approximately 83,500 fans.
      Goals from Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant saw Australia beat England in an April friendly.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Australia will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to commence from 10am BST – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans also have the option to live stream the match via the BBC iPlayer app or BBC Sport website.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the entire game through our live blog which includes build-up and post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      BBC One and BBC Sport will be showing the match for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.
      Team news
      Sarina Wiegman reassured fans that Rachel Daly should be fit to face Australia despite appearing to twist her knee in the Colombia win.
      The England boss told talkSPORT: “I’m not worried at all. I think it’s fatigue.
      “But I haven’t spoken to [the team], I don’t think there are concerns.”
      As for Lauren James, the English star will continue to serve her suspension.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Chelsea ace picked up a two-game ban after stamping on Michelle Alozie during England’s round-of-16 match against Nigeria.
      She served part of the suspension against Colombia on Saturday, but should be back for the final if the Lionesses make it there.
      Rachel Daly appeared to be injured against ColombiaCredit: Getty More