Turns out, it was less of a rivalry after all. Instead, it was an exercise in perfect patience from England, who swatted aside the co-hosts Australia to book a place in a first World Cup final, at the third time of asking. The European champions will return here to face Spain on Sunday.
A goal from a resurgent Ella Toone was cancelled out by the talismanic Sam Kerr but Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo confined the home team to a limp but heroes’ exit.
