FIFA Women’s World Cup | England reach first World Cup final despite Kerr stunner

England reached their first Women’s World Cup final after a 3-1 victory over Australia on August 16 despite a wonder goal from Matildas striker Sam Kerr as the co-hosts’ fairytale run came to an end.

England reached their first Women's World Cup final after a 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday despite a wonder goal from Matildas striker Sam Kerr as the co-hosts' fairytale run came to an end.

Attacking midfielder Ella Toone had given England a first-half lead but a stunning strike from captain Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, squared things up after halftime as Stadium Australia erupted in euphoria.

However, Lauren Hemp restore England's lead before Alessia Russo put the result beyond doubt shortly before the end.

England, who fell at the semi-final stage in the previous two World Cups, face Spain on Sunday looking to add a world title to last year's European Championship triumph.

Sarina Wiegman's side clearly had a game plan to impose themselves physically on Australia, committing nine fouls in the first half as they nullified their opponents' attacking options.

England opened the scoring in the 36th minute when Russo worked her way to the byline before cutting the ball back and Toone smashed it into the top right corner for her first goal of the tournament.

Australia started the second half much brighter and began pressing England higher up the pitch, searching for a historic moment that would match Cathy Freeman's incredible 400 metres victory in the same venue at the 2000 Olympics.