FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: How to watch Australia vs England in the semi-finals
The Matildas and the Lionesses will face off for a place in the final on Sunday 20 August.
Football
We’re down to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and the second involves two of the oldest rivals in all of sport.
Hot on the heels of two thrilling Ashes cricket series, men and women, Australia and England meet in Sydney's Stadium Australia on Wednesday (16 August) with a first Women's World Cup final appearance at stake.
The tournament co-hosts overcame a shock defeat to Nigeria to knock out Olympic champions Canada and make the last 16 with Hayley Raso in scintillating form.
An injury to Sam Kerr on the eve of the tournament could have derailed the Matildas' hopes, but her teammates have risen to the challange and a comfortable 2-0 victory over Denmark in the last 16 marked them out as genuine contenders.
With Kerr still being used sparingly, there followed a nailbiting penalty shoot-out win over France to secure a place in the last four for the first time.
Now they face an England side whose only defeat in coach Sarina Wiegman's 38-game tenure came at the hands of Australia in April.
The reigning European champions came to life in their final group game against the People's Republic of China with Lauren James scoring twice and setting up three goals in a 6-1 victory.
But the Chelsea star's red card against Nigeria in the last 16 - a match England eventually won on penalties - resulted in a two-match ban which means she will only be able to play in the final should the Lionesses make it that far.
England went behind just before half-time in their quarter-final against Colombia, but goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo saw them reach the semi-finals for a third consecutive World Cup.
Keira Walsh's return from a knee injury sustained in the group stages has buoyed the squad, but James' absence may be keenly felt.
In five previous meetings, all in friendlies with the first in 2011, both teams have two wins apiece with one draw.
Australia can take heart from that latest clash at the Brentford Community Stadium, in which Kerr and Charlotte Grant found the net in a 2-0 win, and they will have vociferous home support as they bid to put one over the 'Poms'.
The winners will face either Spain or Sweden in the final on Sunday 20 August.
Australia vs England at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Schedule and how to watch
Australia and England with meet in Sydney's Stadium Australia on Wednesday 16 August.
Kick-off is at 20:00 local time or 11:00 British Summer Time.
Viewers in England can watch this game live on the BBC, while in Australia, Optus Sport will be airing the game for those not attending the game itself or the packed-out fan parks.
Check local listings for TV details elsewhere, while live streaming is available in a number of territories via FIFA+. Click here for details.