England to face Spain in finals after beating Australia

SYDNEY, Aug 16: England has reached the Women's World Cup Finals for the first time after a blowout win against the co-host Australia.

The Lioness defeated the opposing Australian side by 3-1 goals, silencing the sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Ella Toone gave England the lead in the first half with a superb first-time strike which sailed into the top corner.

The Lionesses controlled proceedings until the second half when Australia threw everything at them and star striker Sam Kerr - starting her first match of the tournament - struck a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps' head to make it 1-1.

But England, as they so often do, found a way back into the game when Lauren Hemp pounced on a defensive error to restore their lead, before Alessia Russo made sure of victory late on to set up a final with Spain on Sunday.

The Lioness will now face the powerhouse Spain on Sunday with the biggest prize on the line.