After Chelsea’s Sam Kerr cancelled out Ella Toone’s opener for England, it was Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo who stole the show for England with the decisive goals.
Hemp showed great determination in chasing down Australia defender Ellie Carpenter to grab the second, while Russo completed the scoreline with a calm finish for her seventh goal in 12 appearances at major tournaments.
“I came to this competition with so much belief. I just want to be fearless, I want to show what I can do on the biggest stage,” said Hemp.
“I feel really fearless at the moment. I feel like I’m playing some of my best football but obviously there’s still more to show.
Speaking about her partnership with Russo, Hemp added: “I feel like my connection with ‘Less is so strong.
“We work off each other really well and I think we complement each other’s strengths. We’re both so different as players that we just work so well together.
“Throughout the tournament we have built such a great connection on and off the ball. She’s a great person to be my strike partner.”
Russo said: “I love playing with Hempo. First of all we have such a nice relationship off the pitch. I think we know how to get the best out of each other and she’s brilliant.”
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, who will have Russo in the Gunners ranks for the forthcoming WSL season after her move from Manchester United, said the England pair are the “two hardest-working forward players” he has seen at this year’s World Cup.
“I think when you see her and Lauren Hemp play together, they are not only good with the ball and with their movement, they are so hard working,” said Swede Eidevall.
“Together they never give up. They hunt down every ball down to the last inch and it paid off two games in a row.”