England slammed as 'rough' as Australian press moan following Women's World Cup drama
England were too strong for Australia in the Women's World Cup on Wednesday
PA
Sections of the Australian press have taken aim at England following Wednesday's stirring World Cup clash.
The Lionesses went into the match hoping to continue their stunning form at the tournament, having won all five of their previous fixtures.
And though Australia had the backing of the home crowd, goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave England a historic win.
Sarina Wiegman's side had more shots, more of the ball and managed more passes than their opponents as they secured victory.
England boss Sarina Wiegman was delighted after Australia Women's World Cup win
REUTERS
But sections of the Australian media have taken the defeat badly.
Melbourne tabloid The Herald Sun took aim at the Lionesses by describing England as 'rough', while also saying they were 'happy to foul the Matildas to stop their momentum early'.
The Daily Telegraph said England were 'willing to do anything to rough up' Australia.
They also sent the Lionesses 'bent the rules' after Alex Greenwood tackled Sam Kerr in the first half.
“They harped on about the spirit of the game during the Ashes series when English wicket keeper Jonny Bairstow was fairly stumped when he left his crease but it appears that ethos doesn’t carry over to football after English players bent the rules in a fiery first half," they wrote.
The publication also defended their decision to spend a helicopter to spy on England prior to the showdown.
They said the 'Poms' had 'found another reason to whinge'.
But while the Australian media will moan, it's England who will be playing Spain for the biggest prize on offer.
The Lionesses will be gracing the stage for the first time in their history.
And whether England can go all the way and bring the trophy home remains to be seen.
The publication also defended their decision to spend a helicopter to spy on England prior to the showdown.
They said the 'Poms' had 'found another reason to whinge'.
But while the Australian media will moan, it's England who will be playing Spain for the biggest prize on offer.
The Lionesses will be gracing the stage for the first time in their history.
And whether England can go all the way and bring the trophy home remains to be seen.
“I hate to lose," said the Matildas boss.
"But I said it before, it’s bigger than 90 minutes of football.
"We’re very disappointed that we lost, but, hopefully, we won something else. We won the heart and the passion for this team in this country.
“But I agree with the players, this is not the end of something, this needs to be the start of something. And with that comes money as well.”
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Australia boss Tony Gustavsson admitted he was left hurt by England Women's World Cup defeat
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Spain booked their own slot in the final with a dramatic 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday.