England Beat Australia To Reach Women's World Cup Final Despite Sam Kerr Wondergoal

England beat Australia 3-1 to reach their first FIFA Women's World Cup final. Sam Kerr scored one of the best goals of the tournament but it was not enough.

England beat Australia 3-1 in Sydney on Tuesday to reach their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup final.

Australia captain Sam Kerr scored one of the best goals of the tournament but it was not enough for the hosts as Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo all netted for the Lionesses.

England will now face Spain in Sunday's final.

Lauren Hemp (no.11) and Alessia Russo pictured celebrating during England's 3-1 win over Australia in the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup :: IMAGO/Eibner/Pressefoto/Memmler

Toone fired the European champions in front in the 36th minute when she arrowed a fine shot into the top corner from 11 yards following slick build-up play between Hemp and Russo.

England had been good value for their lead but the Matildas hit back 18 minutes into the second half when captain Kerr lit up Stadium Australia with a stunning solo strike.

Kerr ran with the ball from inside her own half before smashing a shot high into the net from more than 25 yards.

THAT'S ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT 🤩

GOLAZOOO SAM KERR 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Gnts261nW2

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2023

This was Kerr's first goal of the tournament, coming in her first start since she overcame a calf injury that had seen her miss Australia's opening three fixtures.

Australia were only level for eight minutes before Hemp restored England's lead after she latched onto a long-range through ball from Millie Bright.

Hemp pressured Australia defender Ellie Carpenter into a mistake before providing a cool low finish past Mackenzie Arnold.

England then survived a late barrage of Australian pressure before sealing victory with an excellent counter-attack goal - scored by Russo and assisted by Hemp.

Highlights: Australia 1-3 England