Australia vs England: Ella Toone scored England’s first goal with a stunning finish in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semifinal versus Australia. European champions England are among the betting favourites to win the World Cup.
Sarina Wiegman’s team won all three of their group-stage matches. They dug deep to defeat Nigeria and Colombia in the last 16 and quarter-finals, respectively, to set up the match with host Australia.
Watch Salma Paralluelo’s opener against Sweden in Women’s World Cup Semifinal
England faced co-hosts Australia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Wednesday morning. Both teams had chances to take an early lead, but both defences held firm.
Ella Toone produced something out of the top drawer in just 35 minutes. She hammered it past Arnold to put England ahead. Lauren Hemp’s ball landed flawlessly in her path. She arrowed the ball into the top of the net with the outside of her boot.
Toone had much to prove after being demoted to the bench during England’s first match against Haiti. After Lauren James was sent off against Nigeria, the manager reintroduced Toone.
England are leading by a solitary goal against Australia at half time. Lest they ease past the next 45 minutes, the Lionesses will face Spain at the World Cup Final.
