Turns out, it was less of a rivalry after all. Instead, it was an exercise in perfect patience from England, who swatted aside the co-hosts Australia to book a place in a first World Cup final, at the third time of asking. The European champions will return here to face Spain on Sunday and, on this showing, it will not faze them.
A goal from a resurgent Ella Toone was cancelled out by the talismanic Sam Kerr, who made her long anticipated first start, but Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo confined the home team to a limp but heroic exit.
