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      Football fan zones sell out in MINUTES for England Lionesses’ World Cup Final clash against Spain

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      THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
      Fans have snapped up thousands of tickets to watch Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final at BoxparkCredit: Alamy
      An Aussie fan from Sydney was outnumberedCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp scored England’s second goal as the Lionesses roared into the finalCredit: Rex
      And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
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      The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
      Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
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      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half. More

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      Four reasons why the Lionesses will seal World Cup glory… from Spain’s player rebellion to the return of Lauren James

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      ENGLAND face Spain in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.The Lionesses made history by defeating tournament co-hosts Australia in the semis to advance.
      England beat Australia 3-1 to earn a spot in the World Cup finalCredit: AP
      The Lionesses will make their first-ever World Cup final appearance on SundayCredit: Alamy
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb 3-1 win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England defender Lucy Bronze summed it up, saying reaching the final is something “we all dreamed of.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      She added: “This is the one thing I’ve always wanted, to be in the final of a World Cup and after two times of getting such disappointment, I honestly can’t believe it.”
      Final opponents Spain will not be an easy team to beat – even though they were not expected to make it to the final in the first place.
      They may be flying high in Australia and New Zealand, but for the past year La Roja have been forced to deal with some serious issues behind the scenes – including an ongoing feud between the players, the coaching staff and the Spanish FA.
      England are approaching the final as narrow favourites – and for good reason.
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      The Lionesses are yet to lose a competitive match under the management of Sarina Wiegman.
      And they are still flying high from last year’s European Championship triumph.
      In another huge boost to the Lionesses, star player Lauren James is set to return from her two-game suspension meaning Wiegman will have a full squad to pick from.
      For England, the World Cup is there for the taking – and SunSport gives you four reasons why…
      Super Sarina
      THE Lionesses have played 38 games in almost two years under the management of Wiegman and have lost just once.
      That defeat came in a friendly against Australia (ironically) back in April.
      The Lionesses are yet to lose a competitive match under WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Nevertheless, that wrong was put right when England beat the Matildas on their home soil in Sydney.
      Wiegman and her players are also enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run.
      Euros success
      ENGLAND are European champions.
      The Lionesses stormed to victory at Euro 2022 last summer, beating Germany 2-1 in the final to claim their first-ever major title.
      The Lionesses have momentum from Euro 2022Credit: PA
      In the build-up to that historic day at Wembley Stadium, they defeated the likes of Norway, Austria, Northern Ireland, Sweden – and Spain.
      England earned a 2-1 win over the Spaniards in dramatic fashion at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.
      Esther Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Ella Toone levelled the score ahead of full time.
      Georgia Stanway then left Jorge Vilda’s side stunned after she fired the Lionesses ahead during extra-time.
      England know that they can beat Spain at a major tournament, they’ve done it before, so that should give them the mental edge over La Roja.
      James to return
      WINGER Lauren James is set to return to the England squad following her two-match suspension.
      James received a red card for stamping on the back of Michelle Alozie during England’s round-of-16 match against Nigeria last week.
      James is set to return to the England squad for the final following her banCredit: Getty
      She did not feature against Colombia or Australia as a result, but the 21-year-old will return on Sunday.
      It is yet to be seen whether or not she will fit straight back into Wiegman’s starting line-up, with Ella Toone impressing in the semi-final.
      She may have to settle for a spot on the bench, despite having three goals and three assists to her name at the tournament so far.
      Protests and unrest
      SEVERAL Spanish stars have been embroiled in an ongoing feud over the past year.
      Last September, 18 senior Spain players – including Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas – went on STRIKE and protested a series of issues involving members of the coaching staff as well as the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
      Spain have been embroiled in an ongoing feudCredit: Getty
      Sources told The Athletic that they pointed to a lack of professionalism from the RFEF and complained about the behaviour of certain members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching team.
      Some allegedly claimed that they were asked to keep the doors of their rooms open before midnight in hotels where they were based and forced to show the contents of their bags if they bought something during a training camp.
      Despite claims that Vilda had created a toxic atmosphere among the camp, the RFEF stood by the manager.
      And many fans and players were left angered as a result.
      Despite this, all-but three players jumped at the chance to go to the World Cup ahead of the tournament while the feud was swept under the carpet.
      Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all made themselves unavailable for selection for the 23-woman squad.
      And despite their absence, Spain have been able to advance all the way to the final.
      But there is still some friction among the players and the staff.
      After being substituted in the 57th minute of Spain’s semi-final clash with Sweden, Alexia Putellas completely dismissed Vilda and his assistant coach before taking to the bench.
      Several Spanish stars have also been filmed ignoring the manager on a number of occasions throughout the tournament.
      While Spain’s progression to the final can be seen as a huge success on the pitch, it has also seen a collection of off-pitch issues rise to the surface once again.
      La Roja have also endured a mixed tournament.
      They have won all-but one game on their way to the Women’s World Cup semi-final.
      Read More on The Sun
      Spain suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages after thrashing Costa Rica and Zambia 3-0 and 5-0 respectively.
      Vilda’s side then went on to beat Switzerland and Netherlands to make it to the semi-finals before defeating Sweden. More

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      Will there be a bank holiday if England Lionesses win the World Cup?

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses have reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.The England ladies beat hosts Australia 3-1 and fans are hoping for a World Cup win and a bank holiday.
      The Lionesses have progressed to their very first World Cup FinalCredit: News Group Newspapers ltd
      Will there be a bank holiday if England Lionesses win the World Cup?
      Football fans in the UK are excited as the England Lionesses have progressed to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      After a nail-biting semi-final against hosts Australia, the Lionesses came away the victors with a 3-1 win.
      England took on Australia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia which was sold out.
      This is the first time that the England Ladies will have played in a World Cup final.
      Read more on the World Cup
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped to seal the Lioness’s place in the World Cup final.
      In a similar reaction, the public is calling for the government to give us a bank holiday should the ladies bring home the trophy.
      England’s women’s coach Sarina Wiegman is also backing calls for a bank holiday should the team secure the win.
      At a press conference, she said: “Yes, I can see all the English here want it! I’m focusing on football and the game tomorrow.
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      “Let’s do everything to win the game tomorrow.”
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has since been placed under mounting pressure to give the people what they want.
      However, the Government have not announced any plans to grant an additional day off for the public.
      A Government spokesperson said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
      Extra bank holidays have been granted by previous governments to mark special occasions, such as the Millennium, special events and royal weddings.
      Australia’s Prime Minister had backed calls for a public holiday if the Matildas won the trophy.
      When is the World Cup Final?
      The final will kick off at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 11 am BST.
      The 2023 Women’s World Cup final will be between Spain and England.
      Read More on The Sun
      Neither team have ever made it to a World Cup final until this tournament.
      Fans in the UK will be able to watch the match on BBC One and it will be streamed on BBC iPlayer. More

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      BBC pundit and England legend Ellen White in tears on live TV after England storm into historic Women’s World Cup final

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      ELLEN WHITE was left in tears on live TV after England progressed into the Women’s World Cup final.The Lionesses roared to a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia to seal a spot against Spain in Sunday’s final.
      Ellen White was left emotional after England’s historic winCredit: BBC
      White is England’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: Getty
      But she was overcome with emotion as the Lionesses made it to their first World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      Having progressed into England’s first football World Cup final since 1966 and the Women’s first ever final, retired ace White was left emotional by the achievement.
      Appearing as a pundit on the BBC, the Lioness legend watched on as goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo fired England into the final.
      And at the final whistle White was overcome with emotion.
      She said: “I have tears in my eyes.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “I feel emotional. What this team has done and legacy they have created. To finally say we are in a World Cup final is incredible.”
      White, 34, is no stranger to winning silverware with England, having won the European Championships last year.
      But for England’s record goalscorer, a World Cup final is a new high.
      She was agonisingly close to being in one herself at the 2015 World Cup.
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      Though England could only muster a third-place finish on that occasion.
      Now the countdown is on for the clash against Spain, who like England are in their first World Cup final.
      Fans and pundits alike praised the efforts of the heroic Lionesses.
      SunSport columnist Piers Morgan took to Twitter to declare revenge on the Aussies after the controversial Ashes series.
      He said: “BREAKING: 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!”
      Fans were in pandemonium across the country as they watched on from pubs, BOXPARK’s and screenings all over.
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      “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?” More

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      Is Alex Greenwood related to Mason Greenwood?

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      ALEX Greenwood is one of the most experienced members of England’s Lionesses.With all eyes on the team, it comes as no surprise that fans want to know more about her life – including if she is related to fellow footballer Mason Greenwood.
      Alex Greenwood is not related to fellow footballer Mason GreenwoodCredit: Getty
      Is Alex Greenwood related to Mason Greenwood?
      As two well-known figures in the world of football, fans are eager to know if England defender Alex Greenwood is related to Mason Greenwood.
      Despite sharing the same surname and a passion for football, the pair are not related.
      Who is Alex Greenwood and when did she start playing for England?
      Alex Greenwood, born September 7, 1993, is an English professional football player.
      She currently plays for Women’s Super League club Manchester City and the England national team.
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      Established as a talented centre back, she can also play as a left back and is known for being a set-piece specialist.
      Born and raised in Liverpool, Greenwood started her career at Everton and made her professional debut in 2010.
      A year later, aged 18, she won the prestigious FA Young Player of the Year for the 2011-12 campaign.
      Following her time at Everton, Greenwood went on to join Notts County and Liverpool, before making the move to Manchester United in 2018.
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      Greenwood captained the Red Devils as they won promotion to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League in their debut season as a team.
      Recognised as a key figure in the game, Greenwood joined  Olympique Lyonnais a season later.
      However, a return to Manchester was on the cards for the sports star – this time at a different club.
      In 2020, she joined Manchester City on a three-year deal.
      Internationally, Greenwood made her debut for England in 2014, scoring her first international goal later that year in a win against Montenegro.
      She went on to play at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – where she was the youngest member of the squad.
      In 2019, Greenwood was part of the England team that won the SheBelieves Cup in the United States.
      That same year, she was selected as part of England’s World Cup squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      The sports star was also included in the England squad that won UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
      In 2023, Greenwood was named as one of the players joining Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. More

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      England 3 Australia 1 – Women’s World Cup semi-final LIVE RESULT: Lionesses book historic final spot – reaction

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      ENGLAND have booked their place in the Women’s World Cup final after a thriller with Australia in Sydney.Ella Toone gave the Lionesses the lead in the first half after a bright start from Sarina Wiegman’s side.
      Sam Kerr’s stunner levelled the tie for Australia in the 63rd minute before Lauren Hemp put England back in front.
      Alessia Russo made it three to make sure the Lionesses will meet Spain in the final.

      Match result: Australia 1 (Kerr) – 3 England (Toone, Hemp, Russo)
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, Bright, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Hemp, Carter, Russo
      Australia team: Arnold, Polkinghorne, Catley, Foord, Fowler, Hunt, Raso, Gorry, Kerr, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross

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      Stay up to date with all the action from the Stadium Australia in Sydney…
      England fans STILL celebrating
      England fans are still out in full voice at BOXPARK in London.
      Credit: PA
      Credit: AP
      ‘I’m living in a fairy tale!’
      We achieved the final! Unbelievable, it feels like we won the whole thing. It’s like I’m living a fairy tale or something?”Sarina Wiegmanspeaking to BBC Sport
      Nice touch
      Keira Walsh was spotted making a classy gesture immediately after England’s win over Australia.
      Following the final whistle, the England players could be seen celebrating their famous win.
      However, Walsh’s classy gesture was also picked up by the TV cameras.
      As her team-mates celebrated, she was spotted consoling Kerr.
      The Australia star was visibly emotional after her country’s elimination from their home tournament.
      Credit: BBC
      White left in tears following England win
      England legend Ellen White was left in tears on live TV after England progressed into the Women’s World Cup final.
      Appearing as a pundit on the BBC, the former Lioness watched on as goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo fired England into the next round.
      And at the final whistle she was overcome with emotion.
      She said: “I have tears in my eyes.
      “I feel emotional. What this team has done and legacy they have created. To finally say we are in a World Cup final is incredible.”
      Credit: BBC
      Beth Mead reacts
      England striker Beth Mead – who was ruled out of the World Cup due to an ACL injury – has reacted to the Lionesses’ incredible 3-1 win over Australia.
      She tweeted: “WORLD CUP FINAL BABBYY, GET IN @Lionesses.”

      ‘We have found a way’
      Speaking to BBC Sport about reaching the Women’s World Cup final, England captain Millie Bright said: “I don’t know. It’s a something we have wanted for so long.
      “We had amazing success last summer but we’ve always known there is something missing and it’s always been the World Cup. To have that opportunity is incredible.
      “Like Less [Alessia Russo] said before, the dream remains alive. Yet again we have found a way.
      “The mentality of this group is something I have never seen before. That comes through Sarina and the belief she gives us.
      “We can play so many ways – that is the beauty of this squad.
      “Whatever an opponent throws at us we adapt and find a way to win. I’m really proud of the girls.”
      Credit: Getty
      Ella Toone reacts
      Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the England midfielder said: “It feels unbelievable. I was speaking to the girls as we celebrated with the crowd and said ‘Wow, we are in a World Cup final,’ which is something you dream of as a little girl.
      “It’s history and we are all over the moon, we already can’t wait for it!”
      On her goal, Toone added: “The ball fell to me perfectly and I thought, ‘Why not just smack it?’ I’ve never hit a ball like that in my life, and the girls reminded me of that.
      “It went top bins and I am just so happy I could help the team to the win tonight.”
      Credit: Alamy
      Who will England play in the final?
      The Lionesses will face Spain in the final of this year’s Women’s World Cup.
      La Roja defeated Sweden 2-0 in the first semi-final yesterday to book their spot in Sunday’s final.
      Say Less
      Alessia Russo has now scored seven goals in 12 appearances at major tournaments for England, with only Ellen White and Fara Williams netting more for the Lionesses across the two competitions.
      Hemp named Player of the Match
      England forward Lauren Hemp has been named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance today.
      Credit: Getty
      Celebrations continue in England
      Fans of the Lionesses are already partying in London.
      Credit: Alamy
      Credit: Getty
      ‘Unbelievable!’
      Speaking to BBC Sport, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “We achieved the final! Unbelievable, it feels like we won the whole thing but we didn’t.
      “An away game at this incredible stadium, it was a hard game but again, we found a way to win.
      “We scored three goals, in this team there is ruthlessness, up front and defence. We really want to win. We stick together and we stick to the plan and it worked again.”
      “Australia have done an incredible job, really grew into the tournament. They had some set backs too and they had to win that last group stage game.
      “They started playing better and Sam Kerr came back. We saw today why she’s so important to the team. What a performance from them.”
      Credit: Getty
      Piers Morgan reacts
      SunSport columnist Piers Morgan has heaped praise on the Lionesses following their 3-1 win over Australia.
      He tweeted: “Never thought I’d get up at 3am to watch women’s football, but I did and it was brilliant. Love these @Lionesses – such great ambassadors for England.”

      Is it coming home?
      England will play against Spain in the final on Sunday, where Alexia Putellas and her teammates will be out to stop the Lionesses at the final hurdle.
      Will Sarina Weigman’s women roar once more?
      Have your say below on who will be victorious…

      Talk of the Toone
      Ella Toone has become the first England player (man or woman) to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major international tournament.
      Credit: Alamy
      ‘Buzzing’
      Speaking to BBC Sport, England striker Alessia Russo said: “Over the moon, incredible.
      “We’ve been saying we’ve been dreaming of the semis but this is what it’s all about, a World Cup final with this group. Buzzing.
      “When they scored they got momentum, the place erupted and then Hempo’s goal just flipped the momentum which was crucial so to get 3-1 you can settle a bit and see the game out.
      “That’s why we do what we do on the pitch is because of all our friends and family. To celebrate with them now is really special.”
      Credit: Getty
      Gary Lineker reacts
      England icon Gary Lineker has congratulated the Lionesses for reaching the Women’s World Cup final.
      He tweeted: “Well played @Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance. A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”
      Credit: Twitter
      ‘I can’t believe it!’
      Speaking to BBC Sport at full time, England defender Lucy Bronze 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 booked 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.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – Australia 1-3 England
      Celebrations are underway back in England!
      Credit: Reuters
      Credit: PA
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – Australia 1-3 England
      The celebrations are only just beginning for England!
      Credit: AP
      Full Time – Australia 1-3 England
      The Lionesses have reached a Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history!
      And what a way to do it!
      England were phenomenal today, completely nullifying the threat of co-hosts Australia and their star player Sam Kerr.
      Full Time – Australia 1-3 England
      England are World Cup finalists!
      I repeat – ENGLAND ARE WORLD CUP FINALISTS!!!
      Credit: Getty
      90+5. Australia 1-3 England
      Kelly receives a booking.
      One minute to play…
      90+2. Australia 1-3 England
      Another change for Australia.
      Gorry is replaced by Chidiac.
      90. Australia 1-3 England
      SIX minutes have been added on.
      England are just six minutes away from their first-ever World Cup final!
      Load more entries… More

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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