WORLD CUP NOTEBOOK: England legend Jill Scott continues to inspire the Lionesses while Ella Toone makes history with her goal against Australia

WORLD CUP NOTEBOOK: England legend Jill Scott continues to inspire the Lionesses as Ella Toone makes history with her goal against Australia

  • England defeated tournament hosts Australia to reach the World Cup final
  • Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed the win
  • Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte brings you the stuff you may have missed

England are one step away from glory after beating Australia to reach the World Cup final.

Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave Sarina Wiegman’s team a 3-1 victory over the tournament organizers.

They will now prepare for what should be a great final on Sunday when they take on Spain – with both sides looking to win their first Women’s World Cup.

Should the Lionesses triumph, they will form a historic double after winning the European Championship last year.

Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte brings you the things you may have missed from Wednesday’s clash.

England are one step away from glory after winning the World Cup semi-final with Australia

Great Scott still inspires England

Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway made a full-time bee-line for former player Jill Scott. Scott, who retired last summer after winning the European Championship, works with the FA on their YouTube show Lionesses Live and stays in the team hotel.

She was crowned Queen of the Jungle after winning I’m a Celebrity late last year. England are one match away from Queens of the World.

Keira Walsh (left) and Georgia Stanway celebrated with Jill Scott (right) after the game

Keira Walsh (left) and Georgia Stanway celebrated with Jill Scott (right) after the game

Aussies left with a gloomy feeling

Superstitious fans feared England’s blue kit would be a curse. The only other time the Lionesses had worn out their away game was in their 2–0 friendly defeat to Australia in April.

That was the only match that Sarina Wiegman had lost as England coach. But full-time, it was the Aussies who were feeling down.

Irony in the host’s song choice

FIFA decided to play the victory songs of both England and Australia before kick-off in an attempt to cheer up the crowd.

The Aussie fans happily sang along with England’s choice of Sweet Caroline. In a strange sense of irony, the Aussies song You’re the Voice is by John Farnham – who was born in Dagenham.

Fans are late

Trains from central Sydney to Stadium Australia were rebranded as the Matildas Express, with fans commenting on how efficient the service had been throughout the tournament.

But a signal problem caused some fans to be late and the problems continued after the game. The jubilant England fans didn’t care, but the gloomy Aussies just wanted to go home.

Toone writes history

Ella Toone’s goal makes her the first player, male or female, to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major tournament for England.

Ella Toone became the first player, male or female, to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major tournament for England

Ella Toone became the first player, male or female, to score in a quarter-final, semi-final and final of a major tournament for England

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