England will face co-hosts Australia in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals after they edged past Colombia 2-1 on Saturday in the last eight
England beat Colombia 2-1 on Saturday to book their place in the Women’s World Cup semi-final and line up a mouthwatering tie against co-hosts Australia.
The Lionesses went behind with just minutes to go in the first half after a goal from Santos beat Mary Earps but Lauren Hemp got the equaliser just seconds before the end of the first 45 minutes.
Ella Toone started for England in place of the suspended Lauren James, with Alessia Russo up front, but didn’t make too much of an impact in the game with a very physical Colombia side to contend with. Russo, though, secured the second England goal in the second-half as Sarina Wiegman’s side held on for the narrow win.
In the other quarter-final clash, Australia and France went all the way to extra time with the Matildas going through to the semi-final with a 7-6 win on penalties. Mackenzie Arnold had a chance to win it for the Matildas with only their fifth spot-kick, but the goalkeeper struck the post with her effort.