Delighted Poppy gives triumphant Lionesses a big Pat on the back

Poppy Pattinson described England's achievement of reaching the World Cup final as "what dreams are made of" after the Lionesses saw off co-hosts Australia. 

Sarina Wiegman's side went ahead in the first half through Ella Toone but were pegged back by a super strike from Chelsea's Sam Kerr, who made her first start at the tournament after suffering an injury on the eve of her side's opening group game. 

The European champions reclaimed the lead courtesy of Lauren Hemp — in the XI once again in place of the suspended Lauren James — before Alessia Russo wrapped up the win late on. 

After seeing the Lionesses book a showdown with Spain on Sunday, England Under-23s and Brighton star Pattinson, 23, said: "World Cup finalists... that is what dreams are made of and the girls thoroughly deserved the win.

"At 1-1 it was tough but they've managed to find a way to win recently and they did that again today.

"I know what special talents they [Toone, Hemp and Russo] are having played with and against them during my career and I know they're going to be over the moon.

"They turn up in big games and did that again today. Off the back of the Euros, we've seen that they find a way to win — and it's not easy to do that with the crowd against them.

"In the first half we saw England break Australia's momentum with clever and well-timed challenges. 

"It's not easy to silence 75,000 people and the atmosphere was a big part of the game but England were able to control that and come out with the win."

Sunday's showdown will mark the Lionesses' first appearance in a World Cup final, while the win over the Matildas enhanced Wiegman's impressive record at major tournaments. 

And Pattinson was quick to praise the 53-year-old tactician, who fell just short with the Netherlands in 2019.

She said: "Everyone can see how fluid and adaptable the girls have been. 

"She has been setting them up in different formations and they've been able to come from behind and protect leads as well. 

"She's got all the girls working hard as a team and dealing with so many different scenarios. Ultimately, that's what been able to get them the win."

Poppy Pattinson was supporting the Lionesses in their Women’s World Cup semi-final at a McDonald’s screening in Nottingham. McDonald’s is showing up for football fans this summer as the official restaurant sponsor of the Women’s World Cup 2023.