England defeated Colombia 2-1 in Sydney this afternoon to seal their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo got the goals for the Lionesses as they saw off the threat of a Colombian side who have enjoyed an impressive tournament.
The first half was dominated by England who took the game to their South American opponents. Russo and Hemp both saw early efforts blocked before the flag went up for offside. Russo and Rachel Daly then directed headers straight at Colombian keeper Catalina Pérez.
It was Colombia who broke the deadlock just before the break. Leicy Santos’ effort looped over England keeper Mary Earps and the ball nestled in the far corner of the net.
Fortune was on the Lionesses’ side and they equalised just moments later. Pérez made a real hash of a simple take of the ball and Hemp bundled in from a few yards.
Daly went close with a header in the second half before England took the lead through Russo. The forward beat off her marker before firing the ball across goal and into the far corner of the net.
Lorena Bedoya Durango tested Earps with a long range effort as Colombia searched for a way back into the match. The South Americans threw everything at the Lionesses late in the game but Sarina Wiegman’s side held on to book their place in the semi-finals.
England will now face Australia in their semi-final tie in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
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