Lauren Hemp's second-half strike helped fire England into their first World Cup final as the Lionesses sealed a 3-1 victory over co-hosts Australia in Sydney. 

Ella Toone, who replaced the suspended Lauren James against Colombia and then the Matildas, netted 36 minutes into her second start of the tournament in front of a sold-out crowd of 75,784. 

Australia captain Sam Kerr, making her first start, equalised with a stunning individual goal after the break before Hemp put England back in front.

And Alessia Russo added another late on to set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday.

England defender Lucy Bronze said: "The one thing I've always wanted to do is get to a World Cup final. 

"We played how we wanted to, we were determined, resilient. We knew the crowd would be crazy and we talked about silencing them and at the end we did that. 

"We all dreamed of being in the final. All our family and friends have boked to stay here until then because they all believed in us. 

"It's been amazing to play against Australia, in Australia. What a fantastic tournament they had but we're in the final."

As Sarina Wiegman's side celebrated on the pitch, delighted Lionesses legend Fara Williams said: "I can't even put it into words. 

"I was up in the stands with Kelly Smith and we were just sat up there looking at the stadium. The noise in the stadium has been electric. 

"We thought if only we had the opportunity to play in front of that many fans. 

"A year ago in the Euros final at Wembley, I thought it couldn't get much better. 

"With the atmosphere here today and the way the players have performed, it has blown me away. So excited for the final now."

England are now one win away from lifting two major trophies in just under 13 months, while Australia will play Sweden for third place in Brisbane on Saturday.

Barcelona star Bronze, 31, added: "Spain have been very good, although they did have that defeat against Japan [in the group stage]. 

"Me and Keira Walsh know 90% of the squad very well so we'll be getting questions in the analysis I'm sure."