The Lionesses delivered their most complete performance yet to book a place in the World Cup final against Spain; Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo shone up top, while Alex Greenwood was a rock at the back; follow all the action live from Sydney on Sunday, kick-off 11am
Thursday 17 August 2023 10:17, UK
England Women have made history by reaching their first ever World Cup final - so how did they do it? And who shone in the process?
England have already made history, and are now on the verge of solidifying their reputation as one of the most fearsome women's teams on the international scene. It took less than 12 months for Sarina Wiegman to cultivate a winning formula. But a European conquest was just the start of a beautiful journey - one that had world domination in mind.
The World Cup was always a more realistic target when Wiegman was appointed to the head coach role, given the short turnaround between her initiation and the Euros. Such is the Dutchwoman's precise, detail-orientated approach, she's fast-tracked England's evolution beyond anyone's wildest dreams. They are a team of believers, finally.
And their cohesion is far greater than Spain's - who have been troubled by rifts and feuds in lead up to this tournament, despite being impressive during it. England's trophy to lose? Well, Wiegman has stumbled at the finish post once (with the Netherlands in 2019) - she isn't the type of character to make the same mistake twice.
Sydney will be fizzing with anticipation come Sunday, and most will expect Wiegman's side to finish the job in style.
Lauren Hemp is not shy of meeting her critics head on. The reason she receives criticism, on occasion, is her potential is so vast it's difficult to fulfil. Against Australia she made Ellie Carpenter's life a misery. She ran herself into the ground, just as she did against Colombia, before pouncing on an innocuous half-chance to send England on their way to glory.
She's thrived as an opportunistic 'fox in the box' style forward at this tournament - different from the wide role she plays for Manchester City - forcing mistakes, and profiteering from the fallout.
Then there's the disguised pass to feed Alessia Russo in the 86th minute of an absorbing, and equally draining semi-final. Fatigue had set in. Legs were tiring. Not Hemp's - she powered downfield, sucking all yellow shirts towards her surging run, before playing an outrageously good no-look pass into Russo's path.
Australia's night was over from that moment.
The cutting edge, craft and guile was just too overwhelming. Hemp was at the heart of it all, and shone on a stage she was born to thrive on.
No England player completed more passes (47), made more line-breaking passes (9), created more chances (3), or had a better passing accuracy (94 per cent) in the first half against Australia than Alex Greenwood.
When England were under the cosh, Greenwood intervened, throwing her head, leg or whatever body part was necessary in the way of Australia's attempts on goal. Greenwood has the calmness and composure of an experienced defender, mixed with the ball-playing ability of a cultured midfielder, and it's served the Lionesses fantastically well in the absence of injured Leah Williamson.
The biggest compliment to be paid to Greenwood's influence is that, in truth, England have barely missed Williamson. Perhaps her absence in the dressing room has been felt by team-mates, but on the pitch Wiegman's backline has never looked steadier.
Sam Kerr did, predictably, breach England defences but it was a moment of solo magic - something few strikers in world football are capable of producing. The Lionesses success at this tournament has been built on solid foundations and Greenwood must get special praise for her leadership and maturity, playing conductor of England's impressive orchestra.
Alessia Russo has now scored seven goals in 12 appearances at major tournaments - only Ellen White (10) and Fara Williams (8) have netted more across the two competitions.
"This is what it's all about, a World Cup final, I'm buzzing," she beamed after ensuring England will play for the chance to lift the famous golden trophy on Sunday.
Russo is the devil in disguise. Sweet and innocent off the pitch, a menace on it. Just when you think you're safe, that she's taken up an unthreatening position a bit deeper or out wide, she springs to life in devastating fashion. It's that unpredictability that has stunned opponents during this tournament.
When Wiegman spoke of "ruthlessness" post-match, she was referring to Russo. The young striker wasn't named, that isn't the Dutchwoman's style, but the need for England to be clinical in games of few chances has been evident, and Russo has delivered on such promise precisely when her side needed it most.
Her timing is impeccable - the story was similar at last summer's Euros, and 12 months on, the narrative hasn't changed. Watch out Spain, Russo is on the rampage.
England will play Spain in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday in Sydney with kick-off at 11.30am. Australia will face Sweden in the third-place play-off in Brisbane on Saturday with kick-off at 9am.
