Reds reach 2023 Women's World Cup final with England

Mary Earps, Ella Toone and Katie Zelem can all look forward to a historic match for the reigning European champions, after an enthralling semi-final victory over the co-hosts on Wednesday.

Toone netted a stunning opener in the 36th minute, while Earps made several key saves in the Lionesses' goal during the triumph. United captain Zelem was an unused substitute, but our no.10, like her fellow English Reds, could now have an important role to play in the nation's first-ever Women's World Cup final this weekend.

Earps and Toone were selected in England's line-up, as head coach Sarina Wiegman kept the same XI that started Saturday's quarter-final victory over Colombia, meaning fellow Red Zelem was named on the bench.

In the first half, Earps made multiple notable stops to deny the co-hosts from finding the net, keeping out an effort from Sam Kerr one-on-one - which was eventually flagged for offside - and a long-range strike from Katrina Gorry.

They came either side of a brilliant Toone opener for the Lionesses. Our midfielder, who memorably netted the first goal in the Euro 2022 final last summer, came up with another big moment, driving a thunderous strike into the top-right corner on 36 minutes.

Ella's goal was enough for an England lead at the break, but the Matildas responded in the 63rd minute, with Chelsea's Kerr finding the net on the break from around 25 yards out.

The scores wouldn't be level for long however, with Manchester City's Lauren Hemp picking out the bottom-right corner to put the Lionesses back ahead with a decisive attempt, just moments after Earps had produced an ultimately pivotal diversion to keep out a low shot from Courtnee Vine down the other end.

In the closing stages, former United striker Alessia Russo made sure of the win for Wiegman's team, latching onto a through ball from Hemp and powering beyond Mackenzie Arnold to secure the place in Sunday's grand finale Down Under.

A date with Spain in the final now awaits Earps, Toone and Zelem, as England go in search of silverware for the second summer in a row, having triumphed at the European Championships just over 12 months ago on home soil.

Sunday's game, like the Lionesses' semi-final, will be played at Stadium Australia in Sydney and gets under way at 11:00 BST.

A huge congratulations to our Reds trio - we'll be right behind you this weekend!