England had been overwhelmed by Colombia followers - not by their workforce in Stadium Australia.

But it was powerful reaching the Women's World Cup semi-finals - far harder than the European champions might need anticipated towards the lowest-ranked workforce remaining within the match.

Just squeezing out a 2-1 win was satisfying for Sarina Wiegman and her facet - a fifth successive victory on this World Cup odyssey.

After all, this has been the match when footballing stature has repeatedly been trampled over by bold opponents with out the identical observe document of success.

And now standing in the best way of a primary World Cup for the Lionesses is an Australia facet energised by the backing of a house crowd that in all probability by no means anticipated such a deep run within the match.

Football fever has swept this nation like by no means earlier than.

"It's probably going to be bigger than I imagine now," Wiegman mentioned. "So I'll talk to my players and staff and see what that rivalry is then. I think the Australians and English can get along really well.

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"We have had such a warm welcome here and we really enjoying our time here in Australia and I actually really like the people here, but that doesn't mean there's no rivalry, so we'll see that Wednesday."

England are definitely in acquainted environment now, having spent 5 weeks in Australia - a time that has seen each earlier former champion be knocked out.

Wiegman's facet had to deal with falling behind for the primary time on this match earlier than Lauren Hemp scrambled in an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

A medical end from Alessia Russo sealed the 2-1 victory over Colombia.

The ahead mentioned: "I think you're in those moments a lot as a striker, it's kind of what you train for.

"You have a break up second to take a shot and I knew I needed to go throughout the goalkeeper with as a lot tempo as I may and happily it went in."

Resilience was demonstrated in holding onto the lead, particularly given the fervour of the Colombian support in front of more than 70,000 fans.

But there will be a wariness about facing Australia who have progressed further than ever before at a World Cup.

They are the only team to have beaten England since Wiegman took charge in 2021.

While the England followers are already singing "Football's coming home" in Sydney, there is a lengthy method to go to convey this World Cup house for the primary time.

Especially with Australia decided to maintain it right here - by pulling off the last word World Cup upset.