Tottenham Women could have a World Cup winner after Lionesses heroics Down Under
England defeated Australia on their own patch to claim their place in a Women’s World Cup final for the first time ever, as Tottenham Women’s star Bethany England prepares for potential involvement.
Many giants have fallen at a tournament full of upsets, but not the Lionesses. They have come through adversity on plenty of occasions this summer to book themselves a spot in the showdown fixture, against Spain, on Sunday 20 August.
It was a slow start for Sarina Wiegman’s side in the groups as they grinded out back-to-back 1-0 wins before they kicked into gear on matchday three, thrashing China 6-1 to make it nine points out of nine.
Fingers crossed.
They were once again subpar, and many would argue lucky, in getting past an inspired Nigeria in the last 16. However, lucky or not, they showed grit and determination to take it to penalties, after Lauren James was sent off, and found a way through.
The quarter-final contest was once more a battle against Colombia in a match in which they edged out 2-1 to secure their ticket to the final four, where they had the task of eliminating Australia in their own backyard in front of a ground full of Aussies.
And that is exactly what they did on Wednesday (16 August), as they silenced the sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney. After going ahead in the first half through Ella Toone’s wonderful first-time strike that sailed right into the top-right corner, Matildas’ hero Sam Kerr responded with a bolt from the blue of her own just after the hour mark.
But, eight minutes later, England were ahead again, this time through Lauren Hemp, who pounced on a defensive error and made no mistake. Alessia Russo sealed the victory late on as Wiegman’s historic two-year reign continues.
European success last summer for the first time ever, and now a real chance to be crowned world champions for the first time ever after consecutive semi-final heartbreaks. Spurs striker Bethany England did not manage to get on during the win over Australia.
Although her contributions throughout the competition so far mean she is in line to potentially bring a World Cup winners medal back to Hotspur Way.
Just two nations remain as the dramatic tournament comes to its conclusion this Sunday.
In other Tottenham news, a club star could be on some Saudi Arabian club’s shortlists ahead of 2024.