Brighton's joy as England's Lionesses head to World Cup final

They beat hosts Australia 3-1 in a nail-biting match which saw England take the lead and Australia briefly equalise before the Lionesses scored two more goals to make it to the final.

Fans jumped for joy after Ella Toone scored in the first half but tension built as Australia’s Sam Kerr equalised in the 63rd minute.

Crowds hugged and waved flags after England scored a goal that secured their place in the World Cup final (Image: The Argus)

Supporters who gathered in Ye Olde King and Queen in Malborough Place, Brighton, were on tenterhooks until a goal by Lauren Hemp took England ahead and the pub erupted.

As the match entered its final minutes there was a lot of biting of fingernails as Australia fought hard to stay in the competition.

Two attempts to score in quick succession provoked shrieks from the crowd.

However, a third goal by Alessia Russo fired England into the final. Fans hugged each other and waved England flags in jubilation as the Lionesses confirmed their place in their World Cup final.

Alice Wood and Tim Garrett watched the match at Ye Olde King and Queen (Image: The Argus)

England supporters Tim Garrett and Alice Wood were among those watching the match at the pub.

Tim said: “I thought we were brilliant. In the first half, I thought we played really well. In the second half, it started like Australia was going to get on top but in the end we found a way through.”

Poppy, centre-right, with friends Meghan, Jess and Ella (Image: The Argus)

Another fan who gave her name only as Poppy was celebrating the result with friends but expressed some regret at having beaten Australia.

“I feel bad kicking out the host team,” she said.

Annie Daniels and Tony McPherson (Image: The Argus)

Annie Daniels and Tony McPherson, who were visiting Brighton from Cambridge, were elated by England’s victory but expressed some nervousness about the final against Spain.

“I’m scared,” Annie admitted.

But Tony said: “If we play like we did today, I reckon we’ll do it.”

Many fans expressed confidence that England can go all the way and become world champions, just a year after their victory at Euro 2022.

Tim said: “I think we’re the best team in the world right now.”

England fans at Ye Olde King and Queen (Image: The Argus)

Others highlighted how the Lionesses beat Spain at the tournament at Brighton's Amex Stadium.

They defeated the Spaniards 2-1 in extra time at the quarter-finals in July last year.

The two sides will meet in Sydney on Sunday with kick-off at 11am UK time.