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Russo's goal sends England to World Cup Final

Alessia Russo celebrates her goal in the World Cup semi-final

Alessia Russo scored her third goal of the tournament to send England through to the Women's World Cup Final for the very first time. 

The Lionesses went head-to-head with Australia in Sydney, as the co-hosts aimed for glory after capturing their country's imagination. 

After a chaotic opening ten minutes, which saw both teams come exceptionally close to scoring an early goal, England settled into controlled possession. 

The deadlock was broken after the half-hour mark as Russo held the ball up at the byline and cut back to Ella Toone, who unleashed a rocket of a shot into the top-right corner to give England a deserved lead.  

With the hosts looking for a way back into the match, our Australian duo Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley linked up well on the left flank as they have done all tournament.

The Matildas did respond in the second half through an excellent long-range effort from Sam Kerr, beating Mary Earps' outstretched glove. 

It didn't take long for the Lionesses to respond, however, as Lauren Hemp showed her strength to manoeuvre Ellie Carpenter off the ball in her own area and slot the ball through Mackenzie Arnold's legs. 

With the promise of a World Cup final on the horizon, England went in search of a two-goal cushion and Russo delivered. Hemp received the ball in England's half and went on a buccaneering run through the middle of the park, unlocking our number 23 at precisely the right time.

Russo received the ball at a wide angle but managed a glorious first-time finish to make it 3-1 with less than ten minutes on the clock. 

With that strike, our club now has the most goals scored at the tournament with 12 - equal with Olympique Lyonnais. 

England will return to Stadium Australia for the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, August 20 at 11am GMT.