England reach Women's World Cup final with victory over Australia in Sydney

England have reached the final of the Women’s World Cup after defeating Australia in Sydney.

The Lionesses will play Spain for the trophy in the showpiece event after knocking out the hosts with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday.

Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured the win in front of 75,000 fans at the Stadium Australia.

Chelsea star Sam Kerr scored for the Matildas in her first start of the tournament.

Toone fired England into a 1-0 lead after 36 minutes when the ball skipped past Lauren Hemp inside the area and fell at the the feet of the 23-year-old, who gave Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold no chance with a strike into the top right corner.

Australia captain Sam Kerr equalised after 63 minutes when she latched onto the ball inside her own half and drove forward before sending an effort from distance past England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Hemp put the Lionesses back in front when Millie Bright’s targeted long ball found her inside the area and she fired into the bottom right corner to make it 2-1 after 71 minutes.

Russo added a third for England when she fired low past Arnold on 86 minutes to give the European champions a two-goal advantage.

The final will be shown live on STV and STV Player on Sunday at 11am.