WWC: England face uphill task against Spain in crucial final

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England are facing Spain in the final of the 2023 after defeating co-hosts, Australia 3-1 in their semi-final.

However, it is one thing to make the final, but the challenge will be epic when England take on Spain. England have shown they can beat Spain in previous contests, but Spain were without Alexis Putellas and Jenni Hermosa in last year’s Euro. Nonetheless, if England put on a display as focussed as against Australia, they will certainly be in with a shot.

But there was no doubt that the semi-final between England and Australia certainly lived to expectations at Stadium Australia as both teams played out a classic in front of an enthralled crowd in Sydney.

Ella Toone looked to have put England in control when she opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but Sam Kerr had other ideas with a wonderful strike to equalise. England found two more goals late on though to reach the final.

Australia manager Tony Gustavsson took a gamble starting a not fully fit Sam Kerr for the first time this tournament, signalling that the Matildas wanted to get this wrapped up in 90 minutes. Despite that statement of intent, it was a gamble that would not pay off.

In the first half, England dominated possession, though Australia set out to frustrate their attempts on goal, of which there were a few.