List of All Articles with Tag 'tb'

Arsenal’s season has been rocked by a serious knee injury to summer signing Jurrien Timber which will require surgery. The Netherlands international moved to the Emirates Stadium from Ajax this summer but was forced off on his Premier League debut – Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest. Timber, 22, limped off at half-time against Forest following a heavy challenge on Brennan Johnson that earned the full-back a booking. He emerged for the second half but lasted just five minutes before going down off the ball and being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu. An Arsenal statement on Wednesday read: “Further to detailed assessments with consultant specialists since Saturday, we can confirm that Jurrien has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. “Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time. “The support and expertise from our medical team and everyone at the club will now be focussed on Jurrien’s rehabilitation programme, to ensure he recovers well and is back playing as soon as possible.” Timber was a £38.5million signing for the Gunners and played in the Community Shield penalty shoot-out win over Manchester City before suffering the setback against Forest. Despite losing Timber, Arsenal are still expected to allow Nuno Tavares to leave the club in the coming days, with Forest a potential destination for the former Portugal Under-21s full-back. While signed primarily to play at right-back, Timber had started life at Arsenal on the left side of defence, filling in as Oleksandr Zinchenko recovered from a calf problem. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Harry Kane insists he will relish the “new pressure” of challenging to win titles every year at Bayern Munich and knows success in Germany can put his name in the Ballon d’Or conversation. It has been a whirlwind week for the England captain after he departed boyhood club Tottenham on Saturday for an initial £100million fee, which could rise to £120m with add-ons. Kane made his Bayern debut later that same night in the DFL-Supercup but his wait for a first trophy goes on after RB Leipzig inflicted a 3-0 defeat on the Bundesliga champions. The 30-year-old is eager to add team success to a host of individual honours on his CV during his time in Munich. “A lot of people talk about the trophies and why I came here, but ultimately it was to improve,” Kane told Sky Sports. “To feel a new pressure of having to win titles every year, having to go far in the Champions League and pushing myself to that limit. “I think if you’re winning games, winning titles, winning Champions Leagues and I’m the one playing up front, it more than likely means I am scoring goals so that allows you to win other individual awards. “But that all comes from what you achieve as a team. That’s my focus first and foremost and that all starts on Friday. “We have a long season ahead. A lot of pressure for Bayern Munich to win the league and go far in the Champions League. That is what I am excited to try and challenge myself with.” An outstanding 2017 resulted in Kane finishing 10th in the Ballon d’Or list but Spurs have endured a difficult few seasons since they made the Champions League final in 2019. With Kane aware his chances of winning silverware were reducing at Tottenham, the forward made the decision to leave the north London club after a 19-year association. He hinted part of the decision to leave Spurs was to play in the Champions League and have no regrets at the end of his career. Kane added: “If you’re winning your league, winning the Champions League and we obviously have the European Championship next summer as well, I think as we’ve seen with the Ballon d’Or, you have to be winning team trophies to achieve that. “Yeah, if I am scoring goals and we’re winning trophies then of course that will come into question, but it is not really what my focus is on right now. A lot of people talk about the trophies and why I came here, but ultimately it was to improve Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane “I’ve always said throughout my whole career I never want to retire and feel like I could have done more or pushed myself more. That was a big part of the decision-making coming here. “I felt like to improve and to get better I had to be playing at the highest level. “Of course I want to win every competition that I play in, that’s the goal every season but when you finish your career, you want to make sure you pushed yourself to the limits and that’s what I’ll continue to do.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jurrien Timber set for lengthy absence as Arsenal reveal he needs surgery Massive congratulations – Harry Kane lauds Lionesses after win over Australia England book place in World Cup final – The Sydney victory in pictures

Harry Kane and the Prince of Wales led the congratulations after England swept aside co-hosts Australia 3-1 to reach their first World Cup final. The Lionesses roared past the Matildas in front of a 75,784-strong crowd thanks to second-half strikes from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. Ella Toone had fired England into the lead in the first half, but Sam Kerr produced a thunderous equaliser before Hemp and Russo helped Sarina Wiegman’s side end their run of World Cup last-four exits. Kane, England’s men’s record goal-scorer, was able to provide instant reaction during an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “Massive congratulations to the Lionesses. “It sounds like a heck of a game and massive congratulations. We’re all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final.” Mead, player of the tournament when England won the European Championships last summer but who missed this tournament through injury, wrote on Twitter: “World Cup Final baby! Get in Lionesses.” Former England defender Gary Neville said: “An incredible achievement by the Lionesses. One more to go.” The prince tweeted his best wishes to the Lionesses for the final and offered his commiserations to Australia. “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final,” he said. “Commiserations to The Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.” Gary Lineker, who won the Golden Boot for England at the 1986 World Cup, added: “Absolutely superb performance. “A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.” Retired Euros winner Ellen White expressed her emotions in the BBC studio following a roller-coaster second-half. Kerr levelled with a sensational long-range strike in the 63rd minute, but Hemp put England back in front eight minutes later before Russo finished with aplomb to send the Lionesses into the final. White, England’s women’s record goal-scorer, said on the BBC: “I feel quite emotional because what this team have done, the legacy they have created. To finally say we’re in a World Cup final, I feel so proud of this team. It is ridiculous. “They have had roller-coaster tournament and at times been criticised for the way they played, but the bond they share, to make a World Cup final is incredible and for Sarina to make World Cup finals back-to-back (she led the Netherlands to the 2019 final) shows what a coach she is. “I’ve never seen her like that, quite emotional, but it is because she puts so much into it.” White also hailed England’s current main striker Russo, adding: “She is in her own now. She’s taken the number nine role, grabbed it with both hands and it is a lot of pressure to be England number nine.” Ex-England player Alex Scott said on the BBC: “You almost run out of words for this Lionesses team. “Lauren Hemp and Jess Carter’s clearance, there were so many big moments that sum this team up that they have a unity, resilience and they have the quality too.” Izzy Christiansen, who represented England on 32 occasions, told BBC Radio Five Live: “To be honest I’m out of superlatives to describe Sarina Wiegman. You've just seen another masterclass again from Sarina Izzy Christiansen on England boss Sarina Wiegman “To come in and change the culture, instil a winning mentality, create a brand of football that’s pragmatic, interesting, lets the talent flourish. “We saw in the starting XI that she had all of her best players on the pitch, some managers struggle to find ways to get the best out of their best players. “You’ve just seen another masterclass again from Sarina.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England book place in World Cup final – The Sydney victory in pictures Sarina Wiegman asks if she’s in ‘a fairytale’ as England reach World Cup final World Cup joy, Ashes glory and netball delight – Big England wins in Australia

Sarina Wiegman has questioned whether she is “in a fairytale” after guiding England to their first Women’s World Cup final following a 3-1 win against co-hosts Australia. Ella Toone, who replaced the suspended Lauren James for the Lionesses’ quarter-final win over Colombia, scored 36 minutes into her third start of the tournament in front of a capacity crowd of 75,784 in Sydney. Australia captain Sam Kerr, making her first start of competition, equalised for the first-time semi-finalists with a stunning individual goal after the break before Lauren Hemp put England back out in front. Alessia Russo made it 3-1 late in the second half to cap off the historic encounter and set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday. Wiegman will now appear in a fourth successive final as a head coach after winning the 2017 Women’s Euros with the Netherlands, who she managed in the World Cup final defeat to the United States two years later, before she led England to European glory last summer. Speaking after the semi-final victory pitchside, Wiegman told BBC One: “We achieved the final and it’s unbelievable, it feels like we’ve won it. “But we won this game, it’s an incredible stadium, an away game, of course it was a hard game but again we found a way to win. “We scored three goals, in this team that ruthlessness, whether it’s up front or in defence we really want to keep the ball out of the net, we really want to win and we stick together. We stick to the plan and it worked again.” Am I in a fairytale or something? England boss Sarina Wiegman She added: “The chance as a coach you make it to two finals is really special, I never take anything for granted but I’m like – am I in a fairytale or something?” England defender Lucy Bronze was overwhelmed after finally reaching the World Cup final at the third time of asking after featuring in England’s previous semi-final defeats. “This is the one thing I’ve always wanted, to be in the final of a World Cup and after two times of getting such disappointment, I honestly can’t believe it.” She added: “We all dreamed of being in the final and all our family and friends booked here to stay until the final because they believed in us. To have everybody here and all that support is unbelievable. “It’s been amazing to play against Australia, what a fantastic tournament they had, but I’m so happy to get to the final.” Sunday’s final sees Bronze and Keira Walsh pitted against some of their Barcelona team-mates and the defender praised Spain’s performance in the tournament. Bronze said: “They’ve been very good. Me and Keira know 90 per cent of the starting 11 pretty well so I think we’ll be getting asked a lot of questions ahead of the final.” Captain Millie Bright echoed her team-mate’s sentiments that “the dream remains alive”. “I think it’s a moment that we’ve wanted for so long, we had amazing success last summer, but we always knew there was something missing and it was the World Cup,” she said. “Now we have that opportunity and like Less (Russo) said before, the dream remains alive. What an incredible semi-final.” Bright will lead the team out on Sunday and admitted it will feel “incredible”. She added: “Crazy, to be honest I’m just keeping two feet on the ground and remaining on task and focused,” she said. “I don’t even have any words for that, to be saying we’re going to the final is crazy and overwhelming – there’s so many different emotions. “Just so happy we could give the fans the dream they wanted back home and the fans that are here as well, but to lead them out will be absolutely incredible.”

England booked their place in the World Cup final with a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia in Sydney. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at how they did it in pictures:

England walked out and for a moment it might have felt like they had been there before. A crowd of over 75,000, millions elsewhere turning in. An expectant nation inspired by the power and momentum of a team who represent something greater than themselves. But this wasn’t the Euros final. This wasn’t Wembley. This time England were the enemy, deep in the land of Matildas fever. This time they faced the crowd, the noise, the jeers and boos, the helicopters hovering over their training session and splashing photos of their plans across the morning newspapers. They faced Australia’s biggest night in a generation. They faced the spirit of Cathy Freeman, and a moment that would unify the country. They faced Sam Kerr, and they heard the eruption that greeted the star of the World Cup finally having her moment. The Lionesses faced all that but did not shake. Instead, they turned it into a first World Cup final, in a tournament that has been defined by the problems and challenges that have blocked their every turn. For England, this was the anti-Euros final, as the Lionesses got one game away from their World Cup dream while denying the hosts a shot at theirs. As England tamed the atmosphere in Sydney, and Sweet Caroline rang around the quickly emptying Stadium Australia, they did so with the coldest and most clinical performance of Sarina Wiegman’s reign. The Lionesses fouled, the Lionesses wasted time, the Lionesses picked up cheap yellow cards and took away Australia’s momentum. But they also played, they controlled, and they were the better team for large spells. And when Kerr burst forward and struck an unstoppable shot past Mary Earps, England managed to overturn the story of the World Cup and produce something from nothing all over again. It helps, then, that they could turn to a player who at this World Cup has lifted England by doing that. Lauren Hemp has turned into England’s match-winner, a devastating central forward transformed from a player who was as true a winger as you could possibly find. The Euros last summer were supposed to be her tournament and the 23-year-old was tipped to be its breakout star. In response, opponents double-marked her and in turn, it created space for Beth Mead to be England’s player of the tournament on the opposite flank. In another world, Hemp’s World Cup could have been over when England switched formation and landed on a system that wouldn’t use wingers at all. Kept in the team but as a second forward, Hemp has been released by it, becoming the pinball in England’s attack. Against Australia she was everywhere once again, bouncing off the challenges, pinging around the frontline and doing the work of two positions. Hemp is so involved because she chases everything, winning a throw-in, taking the ball and driving, not towards goal but just to get England up the pitch. In England’s gruelling progress through the knockout stages, she has grafted endlessly, turning hopeful punts into clever, targeted balls downfield. And then she got her reward, not once but twice: the first to put England towards the final, the second to seal it. Chasing down Ellie Carpenter, Hemp burst in behind, took a ball that was not hers to win, and finished past Mackenzie Arnold. Then, moments after Kerr blazed a golden chance over the bar, Hemp created Alessia Russo’s goal from a position that was not even a fraction as threatening. Hemp latched onto a loose ball in midfield, she turned, accelerated, delayed the pass and created the angle for her strike partner. The finish was ruthless too. At the end of it all, England somehow managed to get away with it while also being utterly deserving of their place in Sunday’s final. This was a night where England needed to be perfect and there were large spells where they simply weren’t. The Lionesses rode their luck until it looked like they had run out of it. Australia waited for a moment, a loose England pass, or a break downfield, and the Lionesses gave them both; Russo was dispossessed and Kerr raced away. As England should have known, with Kerr, a moment like that was all Australia required. But on the whole, England were just cooler than Australia. In the first half, the pressure England were facing came from themselves, but it almost seemed that as soon as Wiegman’s side realised that, they immediately relaxed and the picture they were facing became clearer. Slowly, gradually, England figured it out. For the first time, Keira Walsh was able to turn on the ball and England were able to put a move together, playing through midfield, finding the space out. They looked a level above, but this was an occasion where their dark arts were needed as well. There were a trio of fouls on Kerr within the opening 25 minutes of the Australia captain’s first start of the World Cup. As the Lionesses closed it out, Earps took her time from every goal-kick, Jess Carter with every throw-in down England’s right. Lucy Bronze stayed down, then so did Georgia Stanway. Hemp kept the ball in the corner, Chloe Kelly refused to throw it back. But England had been here before; this was the experience of European champions, and now there is an even bigger prize to win. Read More Sensational England capitalise on Sam Kerr’s missed moment to make World Cup history When do England play the Women’s World Cup final? Will Lauren James play in the Women’s World Cup final? Lionesses react after beating Australia in Women’s World Cup semis Sensational England capitalise on Sam Kerr’s missed moment to make World Cup history Will Lauren James play in the Women’s World Cup final?

Lauren James could return to play in the World Cup final after her England teammates earned their spot in Sunday’s Sydney showpiece with a 3-1 win over hosts Australia. James was handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being sent off during the last-16 win over Nigeria for a stamp on defender Michelle Alozie during the knockout game, which England won via a penalty shootout. The Chelsea star sat out both England’s 2-1 win over Colombia in the quarter-finals and the semi-final victory over Australia, where Ella Toone’s first-half piledriver, Lauren Hemp’s second-half finish and Alessia Russo’s late strike knocked out the hosts to set up a final with Spain. James was given an automatic one-match suspension and feared being ruled out of the tournament altogether, with Fifa typically increasing cases of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban. However, the governing body’s disciplinary committee showed some leniency and James could now return for the World Cup final. Whether she starts the game depends on whether manager Sarina Wiegman wants to change a winning team. The same starting XI saw off Colombia and Australia to reach the final, and Toone – James’s replacement in the No 10 position in those two games – scored a brilliant goal in the semis. But James was in fantastic form before her red card, scoring three goals and picking up three assists, and it will be a tough call for Wiegman to make. Follow LIVE: Reaction after England beat Australia in World Cup semi-final James had apologised for the red-card incident, posting in response to a tweet from Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.” James became the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup knockout match after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and current Lionesses captain Millie Bright. Alozie had earlier tweeted in defence of James. “Abeg, rest,” she wrote. “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.” Read More How to watch England vs Australia: TV channel and kick-off time for Women’s World Cup semi-final England and Australia’s old rivalry on a new stage for World Cup semi-final Australia is having a moment — will Sam Kerr finally get hers against England?

England defeated Australia 3-1 in Sydney to reach the Women’s World Cup final. Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at some other memorable victories for England on Australian soil. Wilkinson’s golden boot Jonny Wilkinson’s last-gasp drop-goal secured England’s men a dramatic triumph in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final in Sydney. Wilkinson’s kick sealed a 20-17 extra-time victory over hosts Australia in front of a then-record record crowd of almost 83,000 – with millions more watching on television around the globe. After the scores were locked at 14-14 at full-time following a second-half fightback from the Wallabies, Wilkinson’s fourth penalty edged Martin Johnson’s men back in front, only for Elton Flatley to level things up again. Then, with just 28 seconds remaining, Matt Dawson’s run brought England into drop-goal range, with the scrum-half passing back to Wilkinson who slotted over the posts from 30 metres to secure the most dramatic of finishes. Ashes triumph Down Under England’s men’s cricket team headed out for the 2010-11 Ashes series looking to deliver a first Ashes victory on Australian soil for 24 years. Andrew Strauss’ side scored 517 for one declared in the second innings of the drawn opening Test at the Gabba in Brisbane – with future captain Alastair Cook making an unbeaten 235. The foundations were set as a massive first innings of 620 for five, Kevin Pietersen scoring 227, helped secure a comfortable victory in Adelaide. Although Australia recovered to win the third Test by 267 runs in Perth, England again came out on top in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by an innings and 157 runs to retain the urn – before amassing 644 in their first innings in Sydney to close out a memorable 3-1 series victory. Commonwealth Games netball gold England’s netballers were crowned 2018 Commonwealth Games champions with a dramatic late 52-51 win over hosts Australia on the Gold Coast. Helen Housby netted in the final second for Tracey Neville’s side to win the most astonishing of contests. The Roses took the game to the then three-times Commonwealth champions, with the match level 25-all at half-time. Australia led by four goals early in the fourth quarter, but after Neville switched her side around, England rallied. Housby claimed a vital rebound late on before dropping the shot at the second attempt – after a foul – to spark scenes of ecstasy from the England camp. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Former captain Hugo Lloris set to leave Tottenham after opening talks with Lazio Ben Stokes to play as specialist batter at World Cup after ODI retirement U-turn A look at Chelsea’s biggest deals under Todd Boehly

England are into the Women’s World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1 in the semis, leaving the Lionesses squad dreaming of making it back-to-back major tournament successes. Having already won Euro 2022 last summer, Sarina Wiegman’s squad will now face Spain on Sunday for a shot a second straight triumph on the biggest stage of all. Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo were all on the scoresheet, with Sam Kerr briefly equalising for the Matilda’s with a stunning long-range effort in the second half. But the day belonged to England as the co-hosts were knocked out, with wing-back Lucy Bronze noting afterwards the atmosphere was a sensational throughout the encounter. “[Wiegman told us] just that we played how we wanted to: determined, resilient. I couldn’t hear much else! She talked about silencing the crowd, I feel like we did that tonight [especially] after the third goal. “We all dreamed of being in the final and to have family and friends staying here the whole way through because they believed in us is unbelievable. At the same time, against Australia, in Australia and what a fantastic tournament they had, I’m just amazed to get to the final.” Bronze, who plays in Spain with Barcelona, knows from the quality of her club teammates that England will be in for a hugely difficult encounter in the final, noting several of the squad as “unbelievable” talents. Goalscorer Russo, meanwhile, was impressed with her team’s capacity to turn the match after the equaliser, when Australia were at the time in the ascendency. “I’m over the moon! I’m laughing at the friends and family dancing in the crowd,” she said. “We’ve been dreaming of it but this is what it’s all about - we’re buzzing. “When they scored they had momentum but Hempo’s goal flipped it. [The third] helped us see the game out. “The fans are brilliant every single time - to celebrate with them is really special. Spain’s going to be even tougher, every game has been of the highest level but we’re excited. We’ll recover and go [there] to win.” For Wiegman, Sunday’s World Cup final will mean four straight appearances in the last game at major tournaments, having won the 2017 Euros with Netherlands, reached the 2019 World Cup final with the same team and most recently taking the Lionesses to the Euros triumph of last summer. The head coach praised her team’s ability to find different routes to victory, with a strong mentality on show at both ends of the pitch. “We achieved a final! It’s unbelievable. We won the game at this incredible stadium, it was a hard game of course but again we found a way to win,” she said. “You’ve been talking about ruthlessness all the time; this team have it whether it’s in offence or defence. We really want to win, we stick to the plan and it worked again. “Australia have done an incredible job, they grew into the tournament because they had setbacks too, then they started playing better and better and Sam Kerr came back - you saw today why she’s the star of the team. “The chance as a coach or a player to make two finals is really special. I never take anything for granted, it’s like being in a fairytale or something now.” Read More England fans sing and dance to ‘Sweet Caroline’ as Lionesses reach World Cup final England fans celebrate three goals as Lionesses reach Women’s World Cup final Watch: England fans react as Lionesses reach World Cup final Brian Blessed’s powerful rendition of Three Lions in message of support to Lionesses Who and when do England play in Women’s World Cup final? Why are England wearing their blue kit against Australia?

Tottenham have opened talks with Lazio over the proposed departure of former captain Hugo Lloris. Lloris made clear earlier this summer his desire for a new challenge after 11 years at Spurs and was not involved in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Brentford. The World Cup winner is now closing in on a switch to Lazio after talks between the clubs started, but a final agreement on a fee is still to be reached, the PA news agency understands. If Lloris does leave, as has always been expected in this transfer window, his final appearance for Tottenham would be the thumping 6-1 loss at Newcastle in April. A thigh injury ruled Lloris out of the final weeks of the campaign and the French keeper revealed in June his desire “to do other things” in the future. While no move was forthcoming during the early part of the transfer window, Spurs’ focus was on Bayern Munich’s public pursuit of Harry Kane and incomings with James Maddison able to sign. Lloris was left out of the club’s pre-season tour of Perth, Bangkok and Singapore in July to explore transfer opportunities, but Kane moved on before the Frenchman with his switch to Bayern finalised on Saturday. Spurs announced their new captain on the same day with Son Heung-min named as Lloris’ successor, while Cristian Romeo and Maddison were listed as vice-captains. Lloris retained his number one shirt when Tottenham unveiled their squad numbers on Sunday, but he was left out of the squad at Brentford despite back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster injured with a back problem. It meant academy graduate Brandon Austin was named on the bench as deputy to new number one Guglielmo Vicario, who endured some nervy moments on his Premier League debut. Vicario will be able to move forward at Tottenham without the shadow of Lloris after talks between Lazio and the club stepped up this week. With Lloris still having a year left on his contract, Spurs hope to get a fee for their former captain but it is now expected the 36-year-old will begin the next chapter of his career in Italy. Lloris will leave Tottenham after 447 appearances and 151 clean sheets, having helped the club reach three finals during his 11 years, including the 2019 Champions League Final.

England reach the game’s grandest stage, having fittingly reached their greatest level so far. Such was the professionally commanding nature of this 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia that they somehow made this moment of glorious football history feel like it was always coming. They have just got better and better as this World Cup has gone on, as symbolised by all of Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo coming to form with goals, and as crowned now with a place in the final itself. It was celebrated, of course, with a delirious rendition of Sweet Caroline in the centre circle. They looked a level above a gutsy Australia who ran out of momentum and fortune. And yet it couldn’t quite be said it was a formality, not with Sam Kerr on the pitch. Even within that and the greater story of this England side, there was still drama and subplots. Kerr had finally arrived at this World Cup with a second-half goal of true brilliance, and the only time that England suffered any kind of doubt, only to fail to keep Australia in it with a jaw-dropping late miss at 2-1. That’s what it came down to, but only in terms of the details of the game rather than the pattern of the play. It still felt like England could go again, which is why they are ultimately going further and possibly all the way. A brilliant Spain await at this same Stadium Australia, but this is now an England with all of their players coming to form at the right. Sarina Wiegman, who has got virtually every call at this World Cup correct in hugely trying circumstances, now has her biggest decision to make. Does she bring back Lauren James after a two-match ban? That, in its own way, is an uplifting discussion to be able to have. This performance suggests she might have to keep the same team. It just worked, right from the start. England played their way through Australia in convincing fashion, right from the off. The opening goal was certainly coming, even if few would have said it was coming from Toone. The Manchester United attacker has not been at her best in this World Cup, which made the emphatic nature of the goal all the more impressive. That was not the strike of a player struggling for form or confidence. It is one of a player who excels in latter stages, as illustrated by the fact she has become the first England player in men’s or women’s football to score in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of a major tournament. This was the pick of them. After fine work from Alessia Russo on the byline, the ball was cut back only for Lauren Hemp to just miss it. So, Toone went through it. Perfectly set up for a first-time strike, the midfielder drove a swerving ball right into the top corner with a release that was as divine as it was devastating. Mackenzie Arnold could only stand there. Moving would have been pointless, in any case. Australia had not really got going. It didn’t help that Kerr couldn’t really get moving. This was partly down to a hugely cynical approach from England, as they rotated challenges and fouls. A stricter referee might have given Alex Greenwood more than a booking for one industrial early intervention that let everyone know what this was going to be about. She clearly kept that in mind. Kerr began to hurt England in very different ways, and in a manner that meant no one could get close enough to even try and foul her. It was like the playmaker was saving herself for when she was most needed. Australia had come out with more impetus in the second half but it still looked like they were going to need something different to open England. Kerr’s moment went beyond that. Surging through the half, and with Millie Bright backing off as she waited to try and challenge, the forward just let fly. The ball did take a touch off the defender’s flailing leg, but such was the quality of the effort that it only helped it soar over Mary Earps. It was the centrepiece of Australia’s best period, when Kerr looked like she was going to make this World Cup her own in the way that might have happened without injury. She had England’s defence tetchy and tense, especially with one jinking run through that could have brought a penalty. England had to get back into it, and did so by getting right back to basics. Bright, who should have scored a header shortly before Kerr’s goal, spotted a run from Hemp on launched it forward. Ellie Carpenter struggled with the bounce and was punished for it. Hemp got in front to put the ball into the corner. That was the goal that set England on the way the final. This was now Australia’s whole World Cup. They had to throw everything at it. It came down to inches. First, Jess Carter displayed supremely quick thinking to get enough on an Earps parry and prevent Courtnee Vine’s shot forcing the equaliser. It was so slight, but meant the world. There was still more. In Australia’s last grand attack, a corner dropped just yards out, to the player they would want there above any other. Kerr instead put it over the bar. It was a bad miss, especially for someone of her quality. Would it have happened if she was on full fitness? It almost feels unfair to ruminate on. It’s also immaterial, something made certain by Russo’s brilliant finish. With Australia just having to go with it, there was inevitably space in behind, which Hemp again exploited. Russo then excelled. That is a word that can be used to describe this England as a whole, as they are now one game away from becoming world champions as well as European champions. Australia, of course, were still cheered off by their proud home crowd after the final whistle. It is England that were singing, though, and look like they can go further again. They've already made history. They now just have to make themselves world champions. Read More Australia vs England LIVE: Women’s World Cup result and reaction as brilliant Lionesses reach final Will Lauren James play in the Women’s World Cup final? Ella Toone celebration explained after World Cup semi-final goal Who are the BBC World Cup commentators? Full list of pundits

Lauren Hemp’s second-half strike helped fire England into their first World Cup final as the Lionesses sealed a 3-1 victory over co-hosts Australia in front of a sold-out crowd in Sydney. Ella Toone, who replaced the suspended Lauren James for England’s quarter-final win over Colombia, netted 36 minutes into her second start of the tournament in front of a crowd of 75,784. Australia captain Sam Kerr, making her first start of competition, equalised for the first-time semi-finalists with a stunning individual goal after the break before Hemp put England back out in front. Alessia Russo added another late in the second half to cap off the historic encounter and set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday night in Sydney. England are now one win away from lifting two major trophies in just under 13 months after their triumph at last summer’s European Championships, while Australia will play Sweden for third place in Brisbane on Saturday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live