Sarina Wiegman reacts as Lionesses progress to Women's World Cup semi-finals

Sarina Wiegman has led a team to yet another major tournament semi-final and has reflected on the positives and resilience that her England side have shown to do it.

The reigning European champions have struggled for their best form at this summer's World Cup amid a plethora of setbacks. But it was another gritty performance that saw them successfully see off Colombia, coming from behind and grinding out the 2-1 win.

Conceding on the brink of half-time, England had to show a lot of determination and mentality to claw back a win. Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo operating in a front two, both netted goals to clinch the victory and send the Lionesses on to a semi-final clash against host nation Australia.

"I thought the team again showed some resilience and a lot of togetherness. I’m just really proud again of the team," Wiegman said of contest.

Despite being an underdog, Colombia put up a fierce fight. Making their maiden appearance in a World Cup quarter-final, Wiegman praised the side’s physicality and competitiveness.

"Yes, some people say they are not at the level. I think you underestimate the level of our opponents too. Today we have been challenged again,” she said.

"When they were counter-attacking, it was really dangerous, and they were really good with that. We could deal with that a little better. There are moments in your career when sometimes you are not at your best but you can still perform at a high level as a team, work hard, do your tasks and find a way to win."

The Lionesses conceded only their second goal of the tournament against Colombia - a first from open play. It also marked their first time conceding first in a competitive game since going 1-0 down to Spain at Euro 2022 last summer.

"I think they scored a goal while in that moment, we had more possession and had created chances, and then they scored. Then how we bounced back was really good,” Wiegman added.

However, it was a matter of minutes before Hemp took full advantage of some poor defending and goalkeeping from Colombia to level the score.

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"We were so alert on the rebound, we were really on it, so I thought that was really good. It helped us because I think that changed the game a little bit, before half-time, we were tired already, and that was very well done, and they showed resilience," rhe boss said of the moment England drew level.

This game marked another change for Wiegman, whose reputation has been built on exactly the opposite of tinkering between games. So far at this World Cup, she has changed the starting lineup for every game, some of that enforced, and has moved between fomations

"We changed it before China. And before this game [against Colombia], we thought, 'okay, what will help us now the most?' and so far, we did the same things. Of course, we hope we can be quick in a three build, but if we have to defend, sometimes when we push back, then we go with a five."

With Japan's exit at the quarter-final stage, all previous winners have now been knocked out, meaning there is guaranteed to be new name on the trophy next Sunday. With Sweden, the only member of the semi-final to have previously reached a final, there will be at least one new finalist too.

"I think this World Cup is incredibly challenging. It went to 32 teams, and I think you could not predict any score," Wiegman said. "We have had very hard games, no easy games, so when you see the level of the women's game has increased so much, that’s really exciting."

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