Australia vs England. A semi-final World Cup battle. It was just meant to be.

On this upcoming Wednesday, Stadium Australia is set to host an eagerly awaited semi-final clash between Australia, the tournament co-hosts, and England, the European champions.

The winner will then play for the chance of becoming a World Cup Champion for the first time against Spain who secured their place in the final after beating Sweden 2-1.

If Australia defeats England, they will become the first senior national team to reach a FIFA World Cup final.

The unforgettable quarter-final showdown between the Matildas’ thrilling quarter-final encounter against Les Bleues of Hervé Renard is one Australians will not forget anytime soon. A dramatic and seemingly endless penalty shootout secured the Australians a spot in the semi-final, captivating the entire nation’s attention and earning remarkable admiration and support.

As has been the case for the previous Australia matches, the players can expect a full house. Over 75,000 fans are expected to crowd the Stadium Australia while thousands more will be cheering for the Matildas in fan zones, bars, parks, etc. Millions will also tune in from across the globe – setting the scene for one of the biggest matches in women’s football history.

Standing in Australia’s way of World Cup Final glory is Sarina Wiegman’s England.

The Lionesses’ journey has been perfect so far. Their three group-stage wins were followed by a nervy penalty-kicks session against Nigeria which they successfully handled.

They then set a tricky quarter-final meeting with the 2022 Copa America finalists Colombia. The Euro 2022 Champions were losing to Las Cafeteras before Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp came to the rescue and ensured the team’s qualification to the semi-final.

The Lionesses reached a fifth successive semi-final qualification. It might be the time for them to reach that final, win it, and double their Euro trophy with a World Cup.

Despite losing to Australia in a friendly match earlier this year, England are yet to lose any competitive games under Wiegman's leadership. This remarkable track can serve as a motivating force as they step onto the field in Sydney facing a fervent home crowd.

Proving their steadiness, the back four of Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, and Steph Catley will be looking to help their country qualify by keeping a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Hayley Raso, the new Real Madrid player, is Australia's current top scorer with three goals at the tournament. Tony Gustavsson will be counting on her to provide a meaningful goal threat from the right flank.

Since recovering from a calf injury, the Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has only come off as a substitute in Australia's last two games against Denmark and France, building up her match minutes, but she is expected to appear in the starting lineup for Wednesday's semi-final.

“When I hurt my calf, the plan was always to be ready for a semi-final and eventually the final,” said the 29-year-old striker. “The girls have been smashing it and absolutely dominating. I was ready to go [be a starter against France in the quarter-finals], but we’ve had a plan this whole tournament and we just had to stick to it.”

Once more, England is without the contributions of Lauren James, who is serving a two-match suspension after receiving a red card in the Round of 16 clash against Nigeria.

Wiegman will probably make no changes to the starting lineup. England’s backline consisting of Millie Bright, Jess Carter, and Alex Greenwood has been a force for the team. They will need to be at their best to keep Kerr from scoring.

Up front, Alessia Russo will be leading the attacking line against the Matildas as she will be looking to add to her tally after scoring her second goal of the tournament against Colombia.

Australia: Arnold, Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley, Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord, Kerr, Fowler.

England: Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Russo, Hemp.