World Cup: Russo scores England's third goal against Australia
In 2020, England appointed Sarina Wiegman as manager without a single women's trophy in the cabinet but with a sense of hope amid an age of vast talent in the men's squad. Three years on, there is a genuine claim to be made about whether her Lionesses team is the nation's greatest.
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England defeated Haiti, Denmark, China, Nigeria, and Colombia on their way to the 2023 Women's World Cup semi-finals.
But awaiting Wiegman's heroes in Sydney were hosts Australia, boasting the support of the city and arguably the best female striker on the planet.
Once more, though, the Lionesses roared.
Ella Toone rewarded an impressive first half, combining with former Manchester United team-mate and long-term best friend Alessia Russo to fire England ahead on 36 minutes.
Sam Kerr, Australia's Wonder Woman, said "not so fast" on the hour mark, beating Mary Earps from range with a sensational strike. It was her 10th goal in as many outings against Earps.
But it didn't take long for England to reclaim control through Lauren Hemp, silencing the crowd for a second time with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Australia huffed and puffed and most certainly pushed. Kerr could've and perhaps should've bagged a hat trick worthy of her heroinism. But England held on.
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And Russo, the supplier of the first, latched onto a Hemp pass to put the matter out of the question.
England, Women's World Cup finalists for the first time.
Sweet Caroline, duh duh duh, indeed.
In 2022, the Lionesses triumphed where Gareth Southgate's Three Lions failed. Women's European Championship winners at Wembley Stadium, winning the hearts of the nation.
England followed it up earlier this year by beating 2022 Copa America Femenina champions Brazil in the inaugural Women's Finalissima.
Wiegman has turned this squad into serial winners, a title no men's side has ever carried. Beating Spain, fellow first-time finalists, on Sunday could seal their status as the best England has produced.
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Of course, England have enjoyed great sides. Sir Alf Ramsey's world champions of 1966 continue to be heralded today. And rightly so.
But none of the country's generations of stars have dominated as impressively as the Lionesses of 2023 will have done if they finish the job against Spain.
Six England teams have tried and failed to reach this stage throughout the years, going closest with a third-place finish in 2015.
But Wiegman's England are now just 90 minutes away from cementing their names into eternal folklore.
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