"Best is yet to come" for England as they face Colombia

England play Colombia in Sydney at 1030 GMT in front of what promises to be another bumper crowd at the more than 80,000-capacity Stadium Australia.

The Lionesses were regarded as favourites after Sweden defeated the United States in the last 16, but Sarina Wiegman's side only squeezed past Nigeria on penalties last time out.

They also lost their influential attacker Lauren James for two games after she was sent off for stamping on an opponent. Goalkeeper Mary Earps made light of James's absence on Friday, saying that England were in "a really good spot" and "we've got more gears".

"I think you've seen glimpses of what we're capable of," she added. "I really think the best is yet to come."

They will be favourites to beat 25th-ranked Colombia but the South Americans have already caused an upset by defeating Germany on their way to their best run ever at the World Cup.

"We know all the history that England brings in football, it's important," said their coach, Nelson Abadia. "But what's important for me is the strength in the team's character and that is going to be vital for what we need to do."

On Friday, Spain defeated 2019 runners-up the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time and they will face Sweden on Tuesday in the semi-finals. The winner of England v Colombia will face Australia who squeezed into the last four, beating France on penalties

August 12, 2023