Australia 1-3 England: Sarina Wiegman credits Lionesses' 'ruthlessness' to reach Women's World Cup final

An emotional Sarina Wiegman questioned whether she was in a "little fairytale" after reaching the Women's World Cup final with England.

The Dutchwoman has led England to a maiden Women's World Cup final after a dramatic 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia in front of over 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Wiegman, who has reached the final of all four major tournaments she has coached in, has credited the "ruthlessness" of her side as she prepares to lead the Lionesses into their second successive major tournament final having won Euro 2022 last year.

"We achieved the final and it's unbelievable," she told BBC Sport. "It feels like we won it, but we haven't won it. It's incredible. The stadium, an away game. The way we played... it was of course a hard game, but again we found a way to win.

"We scored three goals. You've been talking about ruthlessness all the time. I think this team has ruthlessness.

"Whether it's up front or defence, we've really wanted to keep the ball out of the net. We really want to win. We stick together and we stick to the plan and it worked again.

"They've done an incredible job. They really grew into the tournament. They had to win the last game in the group stage and played better and better. Sam Kerr came back and we saw today why she's the star of the team. They're a really tough team but what a performance.

"To make it to the final is really special. I never take anything granted, but am I in a little fairytale or something?"

Ella Toone scored in the first half before a sensational long-range strike from Sam Kerr levelled the match in the 63rd minute. Lauren Hemp (71') and Alessia Russo (86') then both struck late on to seal the victory for England.

Russo believes Spain will pose an "even tougher" test than semi-finalists Australia in Sunday's final in Sydney.

"Over the moon," she said. "I think the World Cup final, we've been dreaming of the semis and now this is what it's all about. A World Cup final with this group. Buzzing!

"When they scored they got momentum and the place erupted. [Lauren] Hemp's goal completely flipped the momentum, which was really crucial. To get 3-1 you can settle a bit and see the game out.

"Why not [go all the way]. Spain is going to be even tougher. Obviously, every single game coming into this tournament has been of the highest level. We have to be ready, but we've been dreaming since we were little girls so we're excited, we'll get recovered and be ready."

"We've wanted this for so long," England captain Millie Bright said.

"We had an amazing success last summer but we knew that there was something missing and it's always been the World Cup. Now to have that opportunity is incredible. Like I said before, the dream remains alive. What an incredible semi-final.

"I've said it a million times but the mentality of this group is something I've never seen before. I think that comes from Sarina as well. The belief that she gives us within ourselves but also that she gives us. We can play in many different ways. I think that is the beauty of this squad. Whatever an opponent throws at us, we adapt. We find a way to win. Just really proud of the girls."

Defender Lucy Bronze played in England's last two World Cup campaigns, which ended in semi-final exits to Japan (2015) and USA (2019).

The 31-year-old says she is fulfilling a lifelong dream by playing in her first ever World Cup final.

"This is the one thing I've always wanted; to be in the final of a World Cup," she said. "After two times of getting such disappointment I just can't believe it."

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