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Jonathan Howcroft (for most of it) and David Tindall (for some England reaction)

Australia 1-3 England: Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final – as it happened

World Cup England Australia Matildas Sydney Jack Snape
England players celebrate scoring
The Lionesses have defeated the Matildas in the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final at Stadium Australia. Follow the reaction. Photograph: Jose Breton/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

And that’s all from us today. A massive well done to England although it’s not won yet. And for Australia … well, they’ll always have that Sam Kerr equaliser. The hosts will want to sign off on a positive note by beating Sweden in Saturday’s third-place playoff. Thanks for reading.

Some more reaction from famous people to England reaching the final.

Lauren James was there to give Rachel Daly a big hug after England’s 3-1 win. Now the big question for Sarina Wiegman: does she recall James for the final?

Lauren James and Rachel Daly celebrate in the tunnel following England’s 3-1 win over Australia in the World Cup semi-final.
Lauren James and Rachel Daly celebrate in the tunnel following England’s win. Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images

Want to know more about England’s opponents, Spain? Begin your homework for the final here.

Hang it in the Louvre!

England men’s captain Harry Kane has taken time out from his German language lessons to praise England’s achievement.

Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James are England’s top scorers so far with three each. Spain also have a trio of players on three goals: Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo.

It seems unlikely that any of that bunch can catch/surpass Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa (five goals) for the Golden Boot but, y’know, Geoff Hurst 1966 and all that.

A reminder of how England’s World Cup final opponents, Spain, booked their place in Sunday’s showdown.

This has been very much a ‘world’ Cup for England as they’ve played countries from six different continents: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania.

Here’s a ‘how they reached the final’ piece from PA Media.

Top of Group D

England took their time to catch fire in this tournament, but despite a lacklustre start they emerged from Group D with three wins from three. Georgia Stanway’s re-taken penalty was enough, just enough, to beat tournament debutants Haiti in an unimpressive opening match in Brisbane, and it was another narrow win as Lauren James’ strike proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the second fixture. But things clicked in the final fixture as James inspired a 6-1 rout of China, scoring two and setting up others for Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp, with Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also on the scoresheet.

Rachel Daly celebrates England’s final goal in the 6-1 win over China.
Rachel Daly celebrates England’s final goal in the 6-1 win over China. Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images

James sees red as Nigeria stand firm

As well as James had played against China, she then let herself and her team down badly in the first knock-out fixture with a needless late red card for a stamp on Michelle Alozie. James’ outburst illustrated England’s frustration as Nigeria stood firm for 120 minutes. It would eventually go to a penalty shoot-out after a stalemate, with Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick as England won 4-2, surviving a major scare.

Coming from behind against Colombia

England made hard work of seeing off Colombia 2-1, falling behind late in the first half when Leicy Santos beat Mary Earps with a neat lob. But Hemp poked in an equaliser six minutes into time added on at the end of the first half and Arsenal striker Russo got what proved to be the winner just after the hour.

Seeing off the hosts

England faced a hostile atmosphere in Sydney as they took on the Matildas on their home turf, but Ella Toone silenced Stadium Australia when she drilled the ball into the top corner in the 36th minute. Australia started the second half well and got their reward with a fine finish from Sam Kerr just after the hour but England regrouped, with Hemp punishing a defensive error to get on to Mille Bright’s long ball in the 71st minute before Russo wrapped up the win late on.

For some context, the bookies seem to be split over who wins Sunday’s final. Some have England as very slight favourites; others side with Spain.

Looking at head-to-head records, the two countries have played 10 times, with England winning five, Spain two and three draws. The most recent meeting was a 0-0 stalemate in 2022. Here’s Suzanne Wrack’s Guardian report from that game.

Let’s see that Ella Toone opener again. Pick that out!

This was England coach Sarina Wiegman’s instant reaction. “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.

Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the 2019 final, added: “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.

“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?”

Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh both ply their trade in Spain with Barcelona and the former has praised England’s final opponents. “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!”

Lucy Bronze takes on Australia’s Caitlin Foord in Wednesday’s semi-final in Sydney.
Lucy Bronze takes on Australia’s Caitlin Foord. Photograph: Kevin Manning/Action Plus/Shutterstock

Bronze also conveyed her joy/relief at reaching Sunday’s final. “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.

“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.”

Updated

Some more scenes of celebration as England book their place in the World Cup final.

Well, there had to be one of these. Enjoying the top billing for Toadfish.

Some fantastic images of the England-Australia semi-final in this gallery.

Drink it in England!

How good was Lauren Hemp in that semi-final! Carly Adno agrees, giving the Manchester City star a well-deserved ‘9’. Here are the full ratings:

Doff off the cap to Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall, who predicted a Spain-England final at the start of the tournament. The Swede believes Spain will dominate possession in the final but has pencilled in England to lift the trophy.

Updated

The BBC end their live coverage of the match with Kylie Minogue reading the lyrics to ‘I Should Be So Lucky’. Set to a montage that includes action from today’s game, they have a surprising resonance. Well, more resonance than the cookie cutter Stock Aikmen and Waterman backing track.

Not surprisingly, the BBC news lead their coverage with England’s win. And rightfully so. What an achievement.

Updated

Thanks Jonathan. Let’s start with some quotes from England captain Millie Bright.

“I think it’s a moment [reaching the final] we’ve wanted for so long. Now to have that opportunity is incredible. What an incredible semi-final.”

And the key to England’s success? “Mentality, I’ve said it a million times. The mentality of this team is something I’ve never seen before. That comes from Sarina. Just really proud of the girls.”

Thank you all for joining me tonight. It’s been a ride.

Now it’s time for me to hand you over to David Tindall for all the reaction from the victorious England team.

Tony Gustavsson has just had a few words with Australian TV.

Obviously, we are going to analyse it. Right now initially it’s conversion rate. It’s conversion to chances. In the second half we are 12 to their nine and they scored three goals. In the 83rd and 85th minute we nearly scored two. It is one of those nights they were more clinical in finishing.

We learnt a lot when we played them last time and they are a bit vulnerable in transition. Their defending was very solid in the first half. I think it was two teams that nullified each other. They took out our transition game and very, very few chances in the first half. Then in the second half I think that we let go a little bit. We told them at half- time to be more confident on the ball and play the way we can play. When we started to do that we dominated the game but unfortunately didn’t pay off with enough goals.

I am happy that the fans gave the players support after the game. The reason that they are did that they are proud of the players that they are proud of the players that they leave everything out there. We promised each other we would leave everything out there and that is a successful and they left it all out there. Unfortunately tonight it wasn’t enough.

Katrina Gorry has spoken to Australian TV. It was “Mini’s” 100th cap tonight, but it ended without the result she hoped for.

I guess that’s football. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. It’s just a crappy time to lose, I guess. I thought that we still created lots of chances and kept possession well in patches and we put a lot of pressure on them. We couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net and they did.

There may yet still be England fans that get to witness victorious World Cup finals 57 years apart. Hopefully they leave with memories as incredible as Jonathan Dawe.

“I’m another reader who went to the 1966 WC Final and also attended a couple of group matches plus the QF, SF, ¾ match. However, since I was nine my memories of the great day are somewhat vague.

We sat in the stand with a good view of the third goal and I can categorically state it might have gone over the line. Two people in the row in front called Peter Cook & Dudley Moore confirmed it was in. (Yes it really was them. They had the same seats in earlier matches.)

As a former referee living in Florida, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the referee Tori Penso for nearly 20 years, and even at a young age you could tell she had so much potential.”

I’m so tempted to link to a very specific Peter Cook and Dudley Moore sketch, but I’ll resist.

This feels like a ball’s-eye view of most of the match. Bright was superb in the air, winning everything thrown her way.

The Lionesses will return to Stadium Australia on Sunday for the biggest match of their lives. Spain lie in wait at 8pm local time (11am BST).

Updated

Australia now have to pick themselves up for the third-place play-off against Sweden in Brisbane on Saturday evening. That one is a 6pm kick-off.

My inbox is full of emails complimenting the Matildas for their tournament and wishing them well in defeat. Right now it will be cold comfort, but hopefully, in time, they are able to reflect on the parts they have played in an extraordinary month.

“England’s victory fully deserved,” emails Peter Rodd. “That no-look reverse pass by Hemp for England’s last goal I think is pass of the tournament so far.” Excellent call, and I concede I probably didn’t do it justice in real time. After controlling possession on halfway Hemp ran at Australia’s retreating defence and delivered a perfectly weighted and timed reverse pass to put the shooting opportunity on a plate for Russo. So late into such a big and tiring game, it was sensational.

England’s players wave their arms around to Freed From Desire as the Matildas begin a sombre lap of honour. Despite the defeat they are being cheered heartily from the stands. They deserve to leave with their heads high.

So close for Australia. They weren’t in it in the first half, but they grew into the game after the break and Sam Kerr’s equaliser was one of the all-time great tournament goals. They had chances thereafter with Kerr and Vine coming close, but in their desperation left the backdoor open and England took advantage ruthlessly.

Tony Gustavsson and players look dejected on the pitch
Heartbreak for Tony Gustavsson’s Australia. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Updated

Here’s Kieran Pender’s first reaction from Sydney.

Sweet Caroline reverberates around the Olympic Stadium as England’s players embrace each other and Millie Bright lifts her coach high into the air. The Lionesses form a huddle in the centre circle receiving the praise of Wiegman, and no doubt hearing the message that their journey is not yet over.

Sarina Wiegman addresses the England team.
Sarina Wiegman addresses the England team. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Delight for England, despair for Australia. A job well done for Sarina Wiegman, who shakes Tony Gustavsson warmly by the hand. Her tactics were spot on in Sydney.

Full-time: Australia 1-3 England

England will meet Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final!

England celebrate the win
The Lionesses are through to the final after ending the hosts’ dream run. Photograph: James Gourley/Shutterstock

Updated

90+4 mins: Kelly gets a yellow card for needlessly bringing a second ball onto the pitch. England have sailed close to the wind tonight with their sh*thousery – but they’ve largely got away with it.

90+3 mins: Chidiac goes down in the box under pressure from Walsh, but the referee shows no interest in handing the Matildas a lifeline.

90+2 mins: England have deserved this victory over the balance of the 90 minutes. They controlled the first half, took the sting out of the game, and then responded quickly after Australia drew level. Hemp and Russo up front have been outstanding. Bright at the heart of defence is a born leader. The industry of Daly and Stanway. The composure of Earps in goal. So much to admire.

90 mins: Six minutes of injury time remaining.

89 mins: Chidiac is soon into the action as one of a series of Australians hurling balls into the England box only to see Bright thump them away with her forehead.

88 mins: Russo now takes her leave, allowing Kelly a few late minutes. Australia take the opportunity to introduce Chidiac for Gorry.

87 mins: Hemp and Russo have been magnificent tonight. They have worked so incredibly hard and combined brilliantly time and again. Australia rolled the dice by moving to three at the back and that comes with exactly the kind of risk England exploited on the break.

Mackenzie Arnold can’t stop Alessia Russo’s strike.
Mackenzie Arnold can’t stop Alessia Russo’s strike. Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP

Updated

Australia 1-3 England (Russo, 86)

Game over. Superb centre-forward play from Hemp, holding up play then spinning and releasing her strike partner Russo. The run is perfectly timed towards the right corner of the box, the pass is superbly weighted, and the right-footed finish is unerring across Arnold into the far corner.

Alessia Russo celebrates scoring
Alessia Russo celebrates putting England two goals up. Photograph: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Updated

85 mins: The Matildas are giving it a crack. From another surge forward they win a corner on the right. Catley floats it across, Earps, under pressure, punches away – but straight to the feet of Sam Kerr on the six-yard line – but her effort skews wide of the left-hand upright. So close!

Updated

84 mins: Australia come again though and Vine draws a smart save from Earps diving across her goal low to her right, then there’s a scramble in the six-yard box but the visitors hack clear with Van Egmond lurking.

Updated

83 mins: Fowler does well with the ball in dispute but after Foord feeds Catley there’s no end product. England don’t clear convincingly and Fowler delivers an England-ish lofted ball into the box that Kerr gets to first but she gets too much on her glancing header.

Sam Kerr heads the ball
Sam Kerr can’t keep her header low enough. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

81 mins: Gustavsson rolls the dice, bringing on attacking midfielder Emily van Egmond for central defender Clare Polkinghorne. The Matildas will have to revert to a back three.

80 mins: Arnold plucks a Bronze cross out of the sky as England push for a decisive third goal.

79 mins: England get their first taste of the pace of Cortnee Vine after Cooney-Cross’s smart switch of play. The substittue drives into the penalty area but, not for the first time tonight, Daly is on hand to double-up and execute a superb sliding block.

78 mins: Russo still won’t quit, competing for her life in the final third and earning a corner off a deflection. Greenwood takes it, and again Bright is the clear winner in the air. This time she misses to the right with her header under pressure from Kerr.

77 mins: Russo and Hemp are so hardworking. Australia again get caught in possession, Hunt this time, thinking there’s no danger, but Russo is hungrier and scraps to keep the ball alive, only for Stanway to send a shot into orbit.

75 mins: Brilliant from Stanway, winning the ball in a strong duel with Foord after Australia threatened to break with Kerr. Foord lunges back in frustratedly, leaving a few studs on the England midfielder’s foot.

Georgia Stanway in action against Caitlin Foord.
Georgia Stanway in action against Caitlin Foord. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

Updated

73 mins: Vine has replaced Raso on the right for Australia and she can’t prevent Cooney-Cross’ corner from the left from rolling out of play for a goal-kick.

72 mins: Excellent hustle and a cool finish from Hemp, but that was a routine ball into the channel that Australia should have dealt with easily. Carpenter seemed to second guess herself, ended up failing to commit to either a clearance or a backpass, and Hemp stole in, picked her pocket then picked her spot. Just as Australia were looking the likelier of the two sides, England are back in front.

GOAL! Australia 1-2 England (Hemp, 71)

England retake the lead! Hemp taking advantage of poor defending from Carpenter to steal in at the far post and drill a composed finish across Arnold into the far corner.

Lauren Hemp scores
Lauren Hemp scores an incredible goal for England. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

Updated

69 mins: Close! Bronze gets to the byline and digs out a cheeky cross that spins with a touch of check-side over Arnold and across the face of goal. England keep the ball alive down the left and Russo wins a cross between Hunt and Polkinghorne, but her header bounces narrowly wide.

The cagey first hour is giving way to an end-to-end cup tie.

68 mins: England have administered a few bruises tonight and it’s starting to get on a few Australian players’ nerves. Raso gets a talking to after contemplating retribution for a hit on Gorry that goes unpunished.

66 mins: Cooney-Cross’ deliver is menacing, curling towards the far post but Earps is strong on the line to claw the ball away. The second ball is pumped back in and Kerr beats Bright in the air but her header is straight at Earps. Suddenly this is a completely different football match.

65 mins: Kerr is trying to do it all by herself – and why not? Taking possession just outside the box she drives between two defenders, into the area, and it takes a desperate lunge from Carter to slide the ball out for a corner.

64 mins: What a hit! All the attention on Sam Kerr has proven justified with the Australian skipper accepting a ball just inside her own half in transition with England caught for the first time tonight backpedaling without tactical foul to bail them out. Kerr seized the moment, ran at Bright, then let fly from 30 metres, sending a swerving, dipping effort out of reach of Earps. Unbelievable.

Kerr celebrates her equaliser.
Kerr celebrates her equaliser. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
The ball goes past Mary Earps
Earps can’t get to Kerr’s shot. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Updated

GOAL! Australia 1-1 England (Kerr, 63)

WALLOP! Sam Kerr smashes Australia level from long range!

Sam Kerr shoots
The Matildas captain scores a cracker from outside the box. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

Updated

62 mins: Better from Foord and Kerr this time, but it’s in a move that isolates the Australian skipper wide on the left, so her consecutive crosses are easily dealt with by the England back three – not having to deal with Kerr’s threat in the box.

61 mins: Fowler again shows bravely and demonstrates nimble footwork on the edge of the box to create space for Catley to cross, but her delivery is poor.

60 mins: Fowler is increasingly dropping deep to initiate play, and it works when she accepts a throw-in from Catley, feeding Kerr, but the Australian captain’s through-ball for Foord reveals the strike partners on a different wavelength.

58 mins: Another Catley ball is cut off, this time much closer to her own goal, and with the ball still in dispute Hemp peels off a speculative slapshot that Arnold takes no chances with, palming a save behind for a corner.

Millie Bright header misses the mark.
Millie Bright header misses the mark. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Greenwood’s delivery is perfect, straight on to the forehead of Bright who has a free header six yards out but misses the target! On a night of little goalmouth incident that was a very good opportunity.

Updated

56 mins: England allow Australia possession around halfway, a phase that ends with Catley giving away control with a hopeful ball into the channel that’s easily cut off. It is hard to see how the Matildas are going to play their way back into this semi-final. It might be time for Plan B.

Tony Gustavsson looks on from the sideline
Australia have had the least substitutes of all teams, is it time for Tony Gustavsson to chance things up? Photograph: James Gourley/Shutterstock

Updated

54 mins: Carter drops an old fashioned ball into the right channel for Toone to chase, which she does to good effect, forcing Polkinghorne to concede a throw-in. England fail to make the most of it though and not for the first time this half Australia counter by switching to the right. Raso has space to tun into and Carpenter on her outside, but the decisive pass is poor and runs away for a goal-kick.

52 mins: Bronze is noticeably higher up the field this half, pressing Catley hard, and she has already closed down a couple of balls coming out of Australia’s defence. Then she’s in a crisp rondo with Hemp, Stanway and Walsh as the Lionesses showcase their technique.

Lucy Bronze bears down on Steph Catley as she tries to clear the ball
Bronze v Catley turns up a notch. Photograph: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Updated

50 mins: Foord and Fowler back in the action again with the former touching a first-time volley in-field from the left wing allowing her young teammate a sight of goal on the edge of the box. Fowler doesn’t pull the trigger and after she’s closed down Gorry is unfortunate not to be awarded a free-kick as England hustle downfield at speed, earning a corner.

Greenwood’s curling delivery from the right glances off a head and bounces harmlessly behind for a goal-kick.

49 mins: Carpenter, one of Australia’s brightest sparks tonight, accepts the invitation to run into space down the right. The ball finds Fowler with time and space on the edge of the box and her cross is deep to Foord but the Arsenal forward can’t get enough purchase on her header back across the face of goal.

48 mins: Kerr gets separation between Carter and Bronze in the box but Carpenter’s delivery isn’t pinpoint enough and Earps can gather. No changes of personnel and no obvious tactical switches by either side at half-time.

Jess Carter and Sam Kerr compete in the air.
Jess Carter and Sam Kerr compete in the air. Photograph: Izhar Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

47 mins: Russo and Hemp are soon back into the thick of things, working so hard down the right-hand channel to give England an out ball. But there’s a poor switch of play and Australia can settle.

46 mins: Australia have 45 minutes to save their tournament.

The teams are back out for the second half. Steph Catley gathers the Matildas into a huddle and delivers a spittle flecked rev-up.

Please enjoy this tremendous piece of work while I stretch my legs and ice my fingertips.

Christopher Dobson is another happy England fan.

“I’m so impressed with England’s solidity – that back three is so assured and we seem to start attacks almost from the halfway line as Bright brings it out and pings passes. Bright is a revelation to me – I thought she was short on skills in the last tournament but is more than just a rock now. The heading in defending corners is so reliable from Daly and Greenwood. And the defence starts up front – Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo seem so strong on the ball. What a joy.”

Lauren Hemp and Ellie Carpenter compete for the ball
Lauren Hemp and Ellie Carpenter have been an exciting match up so far. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/FIFA/Getty Images

Updated

“That first goal was coming and England are controlling the tempo with patience and skill. Plus they are draining Kerr’s gas tank of energy without her coming close to scoring. So far, perfect for England.” Mary Waltz on the money again.

“There’s a fine line between containment and paying your (admittedly dangerous) opponents far too much respect. I don’t put much stock in possession for its own sake, but Fowler and Kerr have been isolated whenever either have received the ball, despite playing next to each other,” emails a frustrated Chris Paraskevas.

“Gorry is doing her best but England are being allowed far too much time to play out from the back, and subsequently have control of the middle. We need a Tony G Remix to get a subdued crowd back into this, or we’ll tumble out with a whimper …”

Mary Fowler heads the ball
Mary Fowler has not been allowed to get into the game by England. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Updated

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Half-time: Australia 0-1 England

Just the one goal in it at the break, and it gives England a deserved advantage.

Ella Toone celebrates her goal
Ella Toone scored a belter for the Lionesses. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

45+1 mins: Foord and Fowler link well down the left allowing Catley to whip over a fierce cross but Daly does superbly to head clear with Kerr for company.

45 mins: Cooney-Cross whips in a decent corner but England win the first header, and after Fowler nods the second on, Earps is well placed to pouch the loose ball.

Mary Earps has been immense as usual for England.
Mary Earps has been immense as usual for England. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Just one minute of stoppage time.

Updated

44 mins: Carpenter and Raso – Australia’s best outlet of the half – link up well down the right to buy time for Cooney-Cross to curl over a teasing deep cross. Carter accepts she has to glance a header behind for a corner.

43 mins: England can now attack in transition and with Hemp and Russo both at ease running with the ball at their feet they force Australia’s defence to backpedal at speed. The second ball falls to Daly who plays another of those flat lofted passes towards the far post. This time Hemp wins the header, but she’s penalised for wrestling with Hunt in the build-up.

42 mins: Australia build from the back and free Fowler with time and space in midfield, but the Manchester City forward’s through-ball is overhit and skips away for a goal-kick. Sam Kerr, who gave the move some impetus with her back to goal before pegging it downfield, looks disgusted.

Sam Kerr holds her shirt over her mouth
There have been a few glimpses Sam Kerr’s potential but she has not seen much action. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

Updated

40 mins: Fowler, as gifted as she is, has the tendency to drift out of games, and this is one of those halves. On a rare sight of possession she is easily muscled off the ball in midfield and England return to dictating terms.

39 mins: Australia try to hit back straight away but Gorry’s effort from range is straight at Earps. Back in possession, England look buoyed up by that goal with Russo, Hemp and Toone all presenting to receive the ball to feet with their backs to goal.

Katrina Gorry shoots
Katrina Gorry has her shot on target picked up easily by Mary Earps. Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

Updated

37 mins: That was a superb finish. Mackenzie Arnold had no chance. And it is not an undeserved lead. I was just about to post Mary Waltz’s apposite email. “England’s tactics have been pitch perfect so far. They have, by and large, taken the crowd out of it, and their slow patient buildup has produced numerous breakdowns in the Aussie back line. A goal for the Lionesses seems to be coming soon.” Indeed!

GOAL! Australia 0-1 England (Toone, 36)

After that brief flurry of action for the Matildas England are back controlling the tempo, working the ball nicely down the left. Hemp does well near the byline, hooks the ball into the danger zone, Australia can’t clear, and Toone puts her laces through the ball from 10m out, sending the ball arrowing at pace into the top corner!

Ella Toone scores for England.
Ella Toone scores for England. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Updated

35 mins: Toone plays a lofted ball into the direction of Russo, but Hunt and Polkinghorne are alert to it. That flat ball from midfield is clearly a ploy, with England accepting defeat in the air but eager to pick up the scraps at ground level.

33 mins: Speaking of Raso, she intercepts a poor Carter switch of play. The Real Madrid flyer tears towards the penalty area before flicking wide to the overlapping Carpenter, who overhits her cross. Australia finally starting to get a sniff.

32 mins: Chris Amirault and others have emailed noting some concern at Greenwood’s early yellow card. “With everything coming down the right side for England, and having Daly and Hemp moving into the middle, I’m wondering if there’s a lot of space out in front of Greenwood leaving her vulnerable with that yellow card.” I agree, especially against the pace of Raso. Fortunately Daly was around to cover a few moments ago.

30 mins: Catley swings over Australia’s first corner of the night with her left foot. It’s flicked on and reaches Raso unmarked at the far post but her snapshot clips off Bronze and behind for another set-piece.

The second delivery, from Cooney-Cross isn’t great and Bronze heads clear. She lands awkwardly in the process, but she’s not hurt enough to stay down for long.

Mary Earps has not been overly tested so far.
Mary Earps has not been overly tested so far. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

29 mins: Better from the home side with Cooney-Cross showing neat footwork to dance her way out of trouble on the left and allowing her back four to switch play to the right. Carpenter gallops into space, feeds Raso outside her and Daly slides across, conceding a corner with a strong sliding challenge just inside the penalty area.

27 mins: To be honest, this match has yet to really get going. Repeat stoppages, little flow, and Australia yet to get a foothold to make an even contest.

25 mins: Magnificent goalkeeping from Mackenzie Arnold, floating out of her six-yard box and plucking a Greenwood cross out from a mass of bodies and marking with the dominance of an All Australian centre half-back.

Mackenzie Arnold makes a save.
Mackenzie Arnold makes a save. Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Updated

24 mins: Now Carter’s number comes up to leave a mark on an Australian opponent, sticking a boot into Kerr’s ribs with the ball in dispute in midfield.

23 mins: Toone is the latest England player to bring down an Australian near halfway. It is a tactic that has denied Australia any time on the ball in midfield.

Sam Kerr lies on the ground looking at the referee
Sam Kerr has been tackled on nearly every attempted counterattack. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

22 mins: England are controlling the fight from the centre of the ring. Hemp and Russo again combine well but Raso is back to help out her defence. Tony Gustavsson could do with a stoppage to convey some new instructions.

20 mins: Playing on the counter is a high-risk high-reward strategy, but so far Australia have made little use of their few glimpses of possession. They either need to move up and assert themselves against an England back three with all the time in the world on the ball, or commit an extra body to midfield and attempt to get on the ball themselves.

19 mins: It is clear England have been instructed to stop Australia as high up the field as possible by fair means or foul. Bronze is the latest to invite the referee’s whistle on halfway, barging the bursting Catley to the turf.

Lucy Bronze and Steph Catley go for a header
Lucy Bronze and Steph Catley have tussled more than once this half. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP

Updated

18 mins: England are looking lively, this time going long to evade Australia’s press and after Hemp wins the flick-on Russo and Toone work the one-two before the now-Arsenal striker lashes a shot from a narrow angle into the side-netting.

17 mins: Australia have yet to hit their straps as evidence by Raso failing to acknowledge a pass from Kerr – that eventually rolls all the way through to Carpenter. The Lyon right-back then hurls a long throw into the box that’s easily dealt with. England definitely with the early tactical advantage in Sydney.

Ellie Carpenter competes with Rachel Daly
Ellie Carpenter has been kept busy early for Australia. Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP

Updated

15 mins: England are growing into the contest, moving the ball nicely through the lines in midfield with Russo and Hemp dovetailing in the final third. Good defending from Hunt forces Hemp wide near the byline and the Lionesses recycle.

14 mins: Catley is adamant she should be awarded a free-kick for a robust aerial challenge by Bronze in the Australian box, but no whistle is forthcoming and England have a third corner. This one also comes to nought with a header glancing harmlessly over the bar.

13 mins: It’s a classic possession v counterattack proposition with England dominating the ball and looking to move methodically through an Australian side lying in wait for the ambush and rapid strike the other way.

Georgia Stanway shoots
Georgia Stanway gets the better of Clare Hunt. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA

Updated

12 mins: Australia make the first of what are sure to be many raids down the left but the nearpost cross is just to high for the leaping Fowler.

10 mins: England make little of the first – and second – corners of the night. From the latter Kerr again finds herself winning possession in midfield in broken play, and this time Greenwood hacks her down – and the American referee isn’t having any of it. Yellow card to Greenwood.

First card of the game to England’s Alex Greenwood.
First card of the game to England’s Alex Greenwood. Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

Updated

9 mins: Now it’s Arnold’s turn to rescue her team! Stanway times her run to perfection, the ball over the top is inch perfect but the midfielder’s first time effort is deflected away by Arnold’s legs. The first good legal chance of the night.

Mackenzie Arnold stops a shot on goal from Georgia Stanway
Mackenzie Arnold stops a shot on goal from Georgia Stanway. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

7 mins: Close for Australia! Eventually the ball moves downfield and Gorry – earning her 100th cap, on the occasion of her daughter’s second birthday – wins possession in midfield. She quickly releases Kerr who only has Earps to beat with 40m to run into, but the England goalkeeper stands up bravely and repels the shot. The offside flag was later raised, but that was a close call.

Sam Kerr takes a shot
Sam Kerr sends an early chance into Mary Earps before the offside call. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Updated

7 mins: It is a curious start with England seemingly happy to take time off the clock and sting out of the game by passing the ball around their back three, and Australia resisting the urge to step out of their structure and force a decision.

6 mins: There’s still not a lot to get excited about, but there was a loud chorus of boos when Caitlin Foord was denied a throw-in, and cheers of a similar volume when goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold takes her first touch. Her penalty shootout heroics have made her an instant heroine.

5 mins: England’s back three are taking their time on the ball, looking for Walsh and Stanway ahead of them but Australia’s forward press is doing well to block the passing lanes. Then, just as Aloisi predicted, there’s almost a turnover with Bright looking for a low-percentage ball.

3 mins: Neither side have properly settled into a pattern of play but Hemp and Russo both show some nice touches to urge the ball forward down England’s right.

1 min: England get the ball rolling and send an early long ball downfield that Clare Polkinghorne meets with a towering header. Not long afterwards, in broken play, Sam Kerr gets to the ball first but Kiera Walsh brings her down with a smart professional foul.

Kick-off!

Who will join Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final?

More smiles among the Matildas as they go for a controversial 7-4 formation for their team photo. They are wearing gold jerseys, green shorts and white socks. England are top to toe in blue.

The Matildas take their team photo before kickoff
The Matildas wear their home kit tonight. Photograph: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Updated

Both teams looked to be soaking in the experience during the anthems with many players struggling to stifle awestruck smiles. Tony Gustavsson was grinning like a Cheshire cat, belting out Advance Australia Fair. The mascots couldn’t have been giddier. What a night.

Out come the two sides to a wall of noise and a blizzard of dry ice. Stadium Australia is a picture.

As the countdown to kick-off hits ten minutes, it’s time for the prematch formalities, beginning with the traditional Welcome to Country.

Peek behind Oz’s mighty curtain with Jonathan Liew, in situ in Stadium Australia.

Palpable tension in the media room before the game, where an uneasy truce appears to have broken out between the Australian and English journalists. The losers have to go to Brisbane for the third-place playoff. As if the stakes weren’t already high enough.

A member of the stadium catering staff walks around the room handing out something described as “Aussie pies”. What makes them Aussie? “The beef,” she replies. Or, as one English hack points out, the fact that they’ll be gone by the end of the night.

There will be more from Jonathan after the final whistle. You can keep up with his output, and everything else from the Guardian this World Cup by signing up to the Moving the Goalposts newsletter.

“For both the tournament’s and her sakes, I’m thrilled to see Sam Kerr finally start,” emails Adam K from the USA. “Early on in the tournament I was worried she wouldn’t appear at a home World Cup, and it’s great to see her back. The battle with Millie Bright will be crucial, as you say, although I’m also interested about her fitness levels if we go to extra time or penalties. I know Gustavsson is in a tricky situation (keep her as an impact sub or use the psychological advantage of having her start knowing she may have limited minutes) so I’m not disagreeing with him, rather I’m curious to see how it all unfolds – which I guess is the whole point of football.

“5am thoughts with Adam today include how amusing it is that there are certain footballers who always carry around particular adjectives before their names – as an extension to footballers who are always referred to by their full names. As examples of the latter we have “Kerry Dixon” or “Shaun Derry,” and for the former “the experienced Clare Polkinghorne.” I don’t know why this tickles me so much -- possibly the time of day? -- but I thought I’d share.”

I can’t believe Kerry Dixon’s made it on to the MBM. Scenes.

Sam Kerr warms up
Sam Kerr may be starting but how many minutes can she play? Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

What about the weather? Dry and cool with a slight northerly breeze in Sydney. AKA perfect.

England players warm up in cool conditions in Sydney.
England players warm up in cool conditions in Sydney. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA

Tonight’s referee is Tori Penso from the USA. This is her fourth match of the tournament, and second of the knockout phase after overseeing France’s victory against Morocco in Adelaide in the round of 16.

Referee Tori Penso will take charge of tonight’s match.
Referee Tori Penso will take charge of tonight’s match. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

Former Portsmouth and Coventry striker (and Australian international legend) John Aloisi is on the Australian TV coverage, and he is bullish about the chances of the Matildas.

We will win the game in transition. Bright likes to play passing into the midfield, sometimes straight balls. If our midfielders are ready for that and can win the ball and get their players forward quickly, with Foord, Raso, Kerr, we will hurt them.

Half-an-hour to go… Time for David Squires’ take, including a public service announcement for any rural publicans broadcasting what they think is tonight’s match (and the politicians bending their elbows nearby).

“No matter the result, the way that Australia has embraced the Matildas in such an unprecedented way is groundbreaking for football in Australia. I booked tickets to games a few months ago, assuming it wouldn’t be part of the national consciousness. I was part of sellout crowds at AAMI Park for three out of four matches.

“Today, everyone is talking about where they’re watching the match. It’s an amazing development that most of us long-term fans would never have expected. Here’s hoping we build on this. No matter the result, the Matildas have emblazoned their brand on Australia.” Andrew James on the email capturing the mood of a nation.

Sydney fan festival
The live site in Sydney is packed for tonight’s game, and others around Australia probably will be too. Photograph: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Updated

I know it’s low-hanging fruit, but the significance of Sam Kerr starting cannot be overstated. She has terrorised English defences for the past three seasons with Chelsea, and her presence will force that back three/five to adjust their approach and create space for Foord, Raso, and Fowler.

Moreover, Australia have looked a different side after scoring early. If Kerr isn’t fit for a full 90 minutes, her value is arguably at its highest early on, so it makes sense for her to start rather than come off the bench.

Elsewhere, I think tonight could rest on the performances of the full-backs.

We haven’t seen too much of Ellie Carpenter belting down the right flank this tournament – compared to Steph Catley on the left – but each will be required to put in a shift in both directions to combat England’s 3-5-2 structure. If Carpenter can support Raso, and Catley can continue her partnership with Foord, that’s going to stretch England’s central defensive trio and put a lot of pressure on the wingbacks to prioritise defence, denying Wiegman’s side bodies in transition.

Kieran Pender’s key match-ups: Foord v Bronze, Hemp v Carpenter, Kerr v Earps, and Gorry & Cooney-Cross v Stanway & Walsh.

Mary Earps warms up at Stadium Australia
Sam Kerr has proved to be a nemesis of goalkeeper Mary Earps in recent years. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters

Updated

Not for the first time, an England dressing room contains a germane pennant.

For what it’s worth, I think Georgia Stanway is England’s key player tonight. She’ll see a lot of the ball and her bravery in possession and ability drive at the heart of Australia’s defence from central areas will be crucial if the Lionesses are to prise open the Matildas in open play.

Here she is talking to Suzanne Wrack about her tournament so far and her mentor Luke Chadwick.

“The Crooked Spire, alias Millie Bright, she is the key to this game,” emails Peter Pettit. “Rest assured everyone in Chesterfield is behind her. She’s a winner.”

Godspeed; she’ll have her hands full with clubmate Sam Kerr.

Millie Bright and Rachel Daly ahead of the World Cup semi-final with Australia.
Millie Bright and Rachel Daly ahead of the World Cup semi-final with Australia. Photograph: Naomi Baker/The FA/Getty Images

Here’s a look at England from an Australian perspective.

The England squad at full strength is one of the strongest in world football, but the Lionesses travelled to Australia depleted due to long-term injuries to several key players. Forward Beth Mead was joint top scorer at the Euros last year, but ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during the club season and is still recovering. The captain, Leah Williamson, is another missing through an ACL injury, while Fran Kirby was ruled out after undergoing knee surgery in May.

England are wearing their change strip of all-blue tonight. Not dissimilar to the French uniform Australia faced on the weekend.

Anita Asante looks at the battle in the dugout between Gustavsson and Wiegman.

As the co-hosts this is a massive, historic occasion for Australia and much hinges on how they handle the attendant expectations and enormous stress. Gustavsson’s players do not just have to cope with England, they need to manage their emotions, too. As much as the Lionesses want to reach the final they are under less pressure and could well thrive on the hostility in Sydney. They clearly enjoyed playing in front of a largely Colombia-supporting crowd in their quarter-final and I expect them to embrace the atmosphere and be fearless on Wednesday. Even so, something tells me it’s going to be an extremely tight semi-final.

Karen Carney has been impressed with England’s resilience but warns Australia, with a massive home crowd behind them, will pose the biggest threat so far.

England have reached three consecutive World Cup semi-finals and hopefully this will be third time lucky. To go from losing five of the European Championship final starting lineup in 12 months – forcing a change of shape, look and feel to the side – to being in the final four this summer is an incredible achievement for this headstrong squad. They will not fear what lies ahead.

Welcome to those of you just tuning in. I’m sure there’s plenty of people in the UK now following along with a tab open during office hours, while people in Australia settle in after dinner (or during, in my case).

We’re moving into the final hour before kick-off so it’s time to drill down on the football specifics.

Kieran Pender sets the scene from Sydney

Following the Matildas’ opening match of the tournament, a nervy win against Ireland, a journalist commented to Gustavsson that it was a case of one down, six to go. Almost a month later, the equation has become more favourable. Five down, two to go. But in that time, the ground around them seems to have shifted as the Matildas have captivated an entire nation.

The teams are in, the gates are open, the hype dial has been turned to 11. Time for a Duggee break.

Having had way too much coffee today, this is how I fear I’m going to see tonight’s action.

Australia’s captain Sam Kerr is starting for the first time this World Cup, along with veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne.

Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold arrive at Stadium Australia
Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold arrive at Stadium Australia. Photograph: Elsa/FIFA/Getty Images
England’s coach Sarina Wiegman and some of her players check out the pitch before warmups.
England’s coach Sarina Wiegman and some of her players check out the pitch before warmups. Photograph: Franck Fife/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

We’ve been provided some clarity on Alanna Kennedy’s absence with the Australian team stating: “This morning Alanna Kennedy was ruled out of tonight’s clash due to illness. Alanna will not be in attendance tonight.”

We’ve also had confirmation that it’s neither Covid or concussion related. Hopefully she’s well soon.

Updated

I’m sure a roar will have gone up when Australia announced Sam Kerr’s name in the starting XI.

England XI

Sarina Wiegman has named an unchanged XI.

Australia XI

Sam Kerr starts for Australia! She is one of two changes, coming in for Emily van Egmond, while Alanna Kennedy has been ruled out with illness, replaced by the experienced Clare Polkinghorne in the centre of defence.

Updated

Wiegman’s problem solving has been a feature of England’s run. From retirements and injuries before the tournament, to the suspension of Lauren James during it, there has been no dip in expectation or intensity from the Dutch coach.

The move to a back three has worked well but there is a lack of creativity, and how will they deal with the Australia fans?

Wiegman’s solitary defeat came of course against Australia in April when the Matildas ran out 2-0 winners in Brentford. Neal Whittle has been studying that clash in advance of tonight’s game. “Australia were the better team,” he emails, “but Wiegman would have learnt a lot and looking back now, it is probably a blessing that the 30 game undefeated run was broken. After the game, Wiegman said they were slow in their passing and movement and I’m sure she will relish this opportunity to make amends tonight.”

Australia celebrating victory over England in April.
Australia celebrating victory over England in April. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

On the field, England enjoyed a serene group phase after benefitting from a favourable draw. The knockout stage has been more stressful, but this is a team that has lost only once in Wiegman’s 37-match tenure.

This is not how champions play. But it is how champions win. Where Germany, France, Japan and the United States fell short, England have endured, ridden the tough moments, made the most of their luck, traded tomorrow’s bruises for today’s triumphs.

Like Australia through the Matildas, England, under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership, are setting positive examples for their supporters to follow. The treatment of Lauren James stands out following her indiscretion against Nigeria.

At a time when society is rife with stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, discrimination and corruption, the Lionesses are bringing joy, responsibility, connection and integrity, founded on the bedrock of compassion. Yes, I include integrity even with James’s red card. Integrity isn’t about never doing anything wrong, it’s about owning up to it, being accountable, apologising and learning from it, supported by those around you.

As Tim Bradshaw emails: “I think, while not on the scale of the Aus interest in the Matildas and the World Cup in general, there is a good level of support here in England. Fans of men’s soccer, as well as others who don’t usually watch, have been drawn in.” Tim is watching today’s match at Lewes FC, whose ground is evocatively named The Dripping Pan, from the Cluniac monks who used to pan for salt in its hollowed-out bowl.

Switching focus to England for a while, despite the unfavourable time zone and the risk of being out of sight, out of mind, the Lionesses have continued to build on the support that grew during last summer’s European Championship.

The Boxpark in Croydon has become synonymous with England men’s matches – packed to the rafters with young men in replica shirts who hurl their pints in the air when England score. But throughout the Women’s World Cup the atmosphere has been very different, though no less passionate or packed, despite the morning kick-offs. Women outnumbered men – and pints have been drunk, not thrown.

“The women’s world cup has been a revelation, for its skill and fitness levels, and the incredible excitement of the matches before sellout crowds, many of them young families,” emails Phil Jones.

“I fervently hope the Lionesses win, but it won’t be a disaster if the wonderful Spanish team, or the Matildas, prevail. In this context, I’ve been reflecting on the differences with men’s football. I’ve been an avid watcher of mens pro football for 50 years. The top level - World Cup and the major leagues, especially EPL - continues to provide exceptional skills, tactical interest, and excitement. I’m still addicted. But they often leave a very bitter after-taste - the play-acting and time wasting, the greed fuelled, obscene salaries and transfer fees (and that was before the Saudi intervention!), the tribalism and excessive machismo.

My one wish from this WWC is that the women’s game doesn’t go down that path. The authorities (FIFA, the national associations, the major leagues) and the top players have a duty to ensure that doesn’t happen. Yes, the game needs to thrive financially, including remunerating the top players - but it needs to be used to create a strong and fair pyramid, internationally. I’ll keep my fingers crossed!”

Unexpectedly, there’s a second reader who was also at the ‘66 final, take it away Mason Christopher. “Being a fan at the ‘66 final as well I think it would be a very fine thing if the girls could bring back the trophy to its righteous place, its home, England. If the boys couldn’t do it, they certainly can! Back then my heroes were Jimmy Greaves (who didn’t play because of injury), Bobby Charlton, (who seemed to always have had a wisp of errant hair even at 26) and the toothless slogger Nobby Styles. Perhaps today there are new ones in the making!”

Nobby Stiles dancing around Wembley with the Jules Rimet Trophy is a treasured image.

Because, as Jonathan Liew explains, using Australia to illustrate:

… the longer story here is not one of a shared national journey, but of success wrought largely out of sight and against overwhelming odds. For decades football has been chronically underfunded in comparison to more popular sports such as Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby union, a fact probably inseparable from its higher rates of participation amongst girls and immigrant communities. Many local clubs lack separate female changing facilities or separate girls’ kit. The majority of players in the professional A-League competition still work second jobs. Only two of the 23-strong Australia squad play their football domestically. It is only in addressing areas such as these – rather than the public holiday that the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has promised – that Australia’s World Cup can enjoy a lasting legacy.

Craig Foster has more.

Audit your own thinking and your workplace on gender equality. Loving the Matildas means living their ideals.

Call on sports minister Anika Wells and prime minister Anthony Albanese to properly fund Australia’s largest participant sport. To beat the world at its own game we need a national plan and football’s historic and ongoing contribution to social cohesion, multiculturalism and belonging, so evident this month, deserves this support. Anika cried with us all and it’s clear that Albo’s newfound support is authentic – as an Italian-Australian the game is in his blood, after all. But tears and cheers don’t pay bills and they don’t win World Cups.

Pick up your phone and become a member of your nearest A-League club, right now – before you read on.

And support the team’s calls to FIFA for equal prize money. Follow their representative organisation, @thepfa and voice your support for their pre-tournament statement in which they call for urgent change.

When administrators talk of gamechanging ideals, what does that actually look like? Equal prize money for male and female World Cups is an obvious place to begin.

The ball is now in Fifa’s court to increase the game’s financial rewards after the success of the Women’s World Cup.

Two hours to kick-off. Gates are open at Stadium Australia.

Following on from Tom’s email, it’s fun getting caught up in the hoopla around tonight’s match, and the World Cup in general, but it’s important the sport’s leaders capitalise on these positive emotions.

Australia has embraced the tournament in spectacular fashion – and it could prove gamechanging.

“Just scrolling through your blog on the Guardian, from work this morning here in Oslo, Norway, having never experienced this sort of agitation (nerves, anticipation, hope, fear, etc) for and in the lead up to a game of football. Have loved the Guardian coverage throughout the world cup, and love what the Matildas are doing and the fantastic, broader social and cultural impacts this team and the world cup are having!” Pleasure to have you on board Tom Griffiths.

This is how we do it. What it is, may require a government health warning.

What’s that? Speak up? You want to what? You want to eat like a Matildas fan? Sure, why not, all bets are off.

From short-order snacks to a proper hot meal, this last-minute green and gold culinary lineup will see you through the Australian team’s run in the Women’s World Cup.

Caitlin Cassidy, Guardian Australia’s higher education correspondent and op-shop fashionista shows you how it’s done.

So now you know it’s a big deal, and you’ve been tipped-off on how to blag your way through the 90-minutes, what should you wear?

Unprecedented merchandise sales have led to major stockists running low. Here’s how to buy Matildas merch, or make your own to dress the part.

“OMG what’s a Possie to do?” asks dual-citizen Steve Hall. “I’ve screamed in support of the magnificent Matildas, was at the Denmark game, trembled & sweated throughout the penalty shoot out. They are superb. But I’ve been waiting for England to win the World Cup since 1966 (when I went to four games).

Was at the England v Denmark & Colombia games, wearing my Aussie shirt under my Lioness shirt. Now I sit in Strathfield with a beer before heading for the stadium - wearing my Lioness jersey. I have to support England - but whoever wins, I both win & lose. At least I’ll have someone to scream for in the final.

I hate this game. I love it. Come on England - and the Matildas. In that order.”

Go well Steve, and if England do win, you would surely be in a very select minority of fans to have witnessed both victorious World Cup campaigns.

Are you an Australian new to football, worried about demonstrating your dinky-di credentials at semi-final watchalong? Fear not…

For this reason, I’ve prepared this entirely subjective “latecomer football fan guide to Matilding your life”.

Maybe megamusic bingo could do a Matildas crossover night? I’m picturing Phoenix Nights with Dave Spikey compering in shiny shoes. “Doctor’s orders, number nine! Cailin Foord… Quack quack! Two little ducks 22, Charlotte Grant… Kelly’s eye, the number one – Lydia Williams.” Etc etc…

How massive is tonight’s blockbuster? Well…

The operator of Q and A trivia and megamusic bingo said multiple Sydney pubs had cancelled events for the evening because they could make more money from people coming to watch the game.

The prematch hum around Stadium Australia looks so crisp it could be being directed in real time by Ed Harris from the Truman Show.

“This World Cup has been amazing and it feels like a corner has been turned on gender equality,” emails Gavin Killip. “As my 9-year-old neighbour says, it’s not women’s football or men’s football - it’s just football.”

It very much feels like that Gavin. As we shall come onto a little later, hopefully the game’s leaders can capitalise on this generational shift.

The sun hasn’t gone down yet and the atmosphere is already building across Sydney.

Because of all the interest in tonight’s fixture, we’re starting the ball rolling early again on the blog. That means there’s plenty of time for you to send me an email on your thoughts about the semi-final, Australian football, English football, or just the World Cup in general.

Preamble

Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v England from Stadium Australia in Sydney. Kick-off in this Women’s World Cup semi-final clash is 8pm AEST/11am BST.

If you’re reading this in Australia: this is fun, isn’t it?

If you’re stopping by from England, you’ll be familiar with the sense of nationwide giddiness after last summer’s Euros.

If you’re tuning in elsewhere in the world, I hope you get to experience a tournament like this in your neck of the woods sometime soon.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is delivering in spades, and it has turned Australia Matildas mad. There hasn’t been a sporting bandwagon on this scale since Sydney 2000. A group of footballers, most of whom were unknown to the majority of the population a few weeks ago, have become one of the most successful unifying forces of their generation.

And the manner in which they have brought the country together has been beautiful to watch. It has been authentic, unselfconscious, welcoming, and joyous.

This fixture is the perfect case study. Whenever a v separates Australia and England it comes loaded with centuries of baggage. Not tonight. This is not the Ashes or a proxy battlefield on which to settle historic scores. For thousands of kids staying up past bedtime on a school night they will neither know of, nor care about, the almost exclusively male rivalries that contaminate other contests.

This rivalry dates back only to 2015 and consists of just four previous matches, none of which took place with any great consequence. As Mackenzie Arnold told reporters the other day, this is “just another game”.

But what a game it promises to be. The tournament hosts against the European champions in front of a full house at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. Australia in their first World Cup semi-final, England aiming to make it third time lucky after near misses in 2015 and 2019.

It’s going to be a cracker.

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