England into the semi-finals of Women's World Cup after 2-1 victory over Colombia

12 August 2023, 13:40 | Updated: 12 August 2023, 18:33

England's women progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup
England's women progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Picture: Getty

By Kit Heren

England have progressed to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup by beating Colombia 2-1.

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Goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo either side of half time saw the Lionesses through a tense game, after Leicy Santos opened the scoring for the Colombians.

England will now face hosts Australia in the last four of the Women's World Cup on Wednesday.

Australia beat France in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to book their place in the semi-finals in Saturday morning.

Santos took the lead for Colombia on 44 minutes in a shot from the right that deceived England's goalkeeper Mary Earps, looping over her into the far corner of the net.

England's Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone celebrate after the game
England's Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone celebrate after the game. Picture: Getty
Mary Earps of England dives in vain as Leicy Santos (not pictured) of Colombia scores
Mary Earps of England dives in vain as Leicy Santos (not pictured) of Colombia scores. Picture: Getty
Santos wheels away in celebration
Santos wheels away in celebration. Picture: Getty
Lauren Hemp equalises
Lauren Hemp equalises. Picture: Getty
Alessia Russo of England scores the winning goal
Alessia Russo of England scores the winning goal. Picture: Getty

But Lauren Hemp equalised six minutes into first-half injury time after a calamitous mix-up at the back for Colombia. Goalkeeper Catalina Perez failed to hold onto the ball in the penalty area, leaving Hemp with the simplest of tasks to stab home from close range.

And Russo gave Sarina Wiegman's side the lead in the 63rd minutes, finishing into the bottom left corner from within the penalty area.

Read More: England's Lionesses through to World Cup quarter finals after beating Nigeria on penalties despite red card

Read More: Lauren James banned for two matches for Women’s World Cup stamp - but could still play in final if England qualify

Georgia Stanway of England celebrates
Georgia Stanway of England celebrates . Picture: Getty

Colombia were the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, but they knocked out a fancied Germany side the round before, and caused some nervous periods for England here, even when the Lionesses were in the lead.

England managed to hold their nerve despite those shaky moments, and even looked dangerous themselves on the counter-attack.

Coach Sarina Wiegman celebrates
Coach Sarina Wiegman celebrates. Picture: Getty

At the final whistle, England's players were seen consoling the heartbroken Colombians.

A message posted on the Twitter account of the Prince and Princess of Wales congratulated the Lionesses for the win.

The post read: "Bring on the semi-finals! A hard-fought win, well done @Lionesses".

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