Lauren James might return to the World Cup final after England clinched a spot in Sunday’s showpiece with a 3-1 win over hosts Australia.
Fifa banned James for two games after he was sent off during England’s last-16 triumph over Nigeria for a stamp on defender Michelle Alozie during the quarterfinal game, which England won on penalties.
Ella Toone’s goal midway through the first half gave the Lionesses the lead.
In the second half, Australia struck back, with Chelsea forward Sam Kerr scoring from long range. Lauren Hemp doubled England’s lead just minutes later. Sarina Wiegman’s team advanced to the final late on, with Alessia Russo scoring the third goal.
England will play Spain in the final after they defeated no. 3 ranked Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final.
England won all three of their group stage encounters before seeing off Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out in the Round of 16, the closest they have come to being eliminated from the competition.
They toppled Colombia and Australia in tight encounters to set up this clash against Spain, who have looked equally efficient throughout the knockout stages.
Spain were hammered 4-0 by Japan in the group stages to finish second, but fired five past Switzerland, before recording impressive victories over Netherlands and Sweden to reach the final.
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