Player ratings

England Women's player ratings vs Australia: Lauren Hemp has magic in her boots! Man City winger leads Lionesses to first World Cup final

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Lauren Hemp England Women 2023
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The forward was electric as Sarina Wiegman's side broke the Matildas hearts to reach the tournament's final for the first time

England crushed the hopes of a nation on Wednesday as they beat co-hosts Australia to reach their first ever Women's World Cup final. Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo saw them emerge victorious at a packed and partisan Stadium Australia, despite Sam Kerr scoring an absolute stunner. The Lionesses will now face Spain on Sunday, with both teams bidding to become world champions for the first time.

After an even and entertaining first half, it was England that went in at the break with the lead after Toone thumped an effort past Mackenzie Arnold and into the top corner. Kerr's strike just past the hour was even more impressive, as she beat Mary Earps from 25 yards out to level things up, but the Lionesses' restored their lead just eight minutes later when Hemp capitalised on some poor defending. Russo then put the game beyond doubt late on, after two huge chances went begging for Kerr.

England will now take on Spain, another first-time finalist, on Sunday at the same venue for the chance to win the World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia will have to dust themselves off as they prepare to face Sweden in the third-place play-off.

GOAL rates England's players from Stadium Australia...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Mary Earps (7/10):

    Didn't have too much to do but made a huge save to deny Vine late on.

    Jess Carter (7/10):

    Had some shaky moments when targeted by Australia's press but made an incredibly crucial intervention in the final minutes to stop Van Egmond scoring a tap in.

    Millie Bright (6/10):

    Was good on the ball and generally solid at the back, but should've pressed Kerr more for her goal.

    Alex Greenwood (7/10):

    Wonderful in possession, as always, and strong in defence.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Lucy Bronze (7/10):

    Had her work cut out for her defensively but stood firm. Put in a great block to deny Raso from a corner and linked up well going forward.

    Keira Walsh (6/10):

    Was able to have a little more influence on play in this game but not too much.

    Georgia Stanway (6/10):

    Had a huge chance early on but hit it straight at Arnold. Worked hard in midfield otherwise but wasn't as creative as usual.

    Ella Toone (7/10):

    Scored a wonderful goal to break the deadlock.

    Rachel Daly (7/10):

    Played some really nice passes in the final third and did her defensive work well, too.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Alessia Russo (8/10):

    Took a wonderful touch before laying the ball off to Toone to score, and finished with confidence to kill the game off.

    Lauren Hemp (9/10):

    Was on her toes to capitalise on some hesitant Australia defending and score. Worked incredibly hard and did her best to stretch the defence on top of that, shown perfectly by her run and assist for Russo at the end.

  5. Subs & Manager
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    Subs & Manager

    Chloe Kelly (N/A):

    Introduced for the final few minutes.

    Niamh Charles (N/A):

    Introduced for the final few minutes.

    Sarina Wiegman (8/10):

    Kept her faith in Toone in midfield despite some underwhelming performances and it paid off. Didn't have to make any substitutions to change the game, with the system and starting XI getting the job done.