Five talking points as England beat hosts Australia to reach World Cup final

England are one game away from Women's World Cup glory after beating hosts Australia 3-1 to set up a final showdown against Spain on Sunday.

Goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed the victory for Sarina Wiegman's side after Sam Kerr's stunner cancelled Ella Toone's first-half opener.

Here are all the talking points from another historic night for the Lionesses.

Play that Toone

Toone arguably only found herself in England's starting XI due to Lauren James' suspension but the Manchester United midfielder proved her worth to Sarina Wiegman's side once again.

Her crisp first-half strike into the top corner silenced the Sydney crowd and put the Lionesses in control as she added to her list of crucial international goals.

The United ace's contribution now creates a huge selection call for Wiegman to make for Sunday's showpiece with young star James returning from suspension.

Sensational Sam

There was much debate over whether Sam Kerr would finally start a game at her home World Cup and Tony Gustavsson's decision to throw her in was vindicated in emphatic fashion.

The Matildas superstar's solo effort was cheered louder than any goal at the World Cup so far, picking up the ball on the halfway line before twisting and turning and firing past Mary Earps from long range.

While the stunner ultimately proved in vain, supporters can take solace in the fact they finally got to see their poster girl in full flow.

Sharing the load

What is noticeable about England's surge to the final is the variety of goalscorers that have got them there.

Toone became the seventh different goalscorer Down Under, while Hemp and Russo were on hand once again at the vital moment.

With last summer's Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead missing the tournament through injury, the Lionesses have proved there are goals throughout this side and it is something Spain will undoubtedly be wary of ahead of Sunday's conclusion.

Something about Mary

Not for the first time this World Cup, goalkeeper Earps was on hand to make a string of crucial saves to keep England's lead intact.

With Kerr and Co looking a player possessed in the closing stages, the United stopper was in superb form to keep them at bay on several occasions before Russo's game-sealing strike.

England's No1 made no secret of her disgust that replica goalkeeper shirts were not available for supporters to buy and on the basis of her performances Down Under, it might be time to change that.

Matilda mania

While co-hosts Australia's World Cup dream is over, the Matilda mania that has gripped supporters will surely live on.

With football not traditionally a big sport in Australia, the women's side have come to the forefront of the public's mind over the last six weeks, with audience records smashed game after game.

Much like in England last summer, the challenge will now be to make sure that interest remains after the tournament in order to keep women's football growing Down Under.