Fans across Oxfordshire took time off work to watch the Lionesses with many expressing their happiness after the win.

A superb display ensured the Lionesses reached their first World Cup final, dumping the old enemy and host nation Australia out of the tournament in the process.

Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo gave England a 3-1 win over the Matildas in Sydney on Wednesday.

A staff member at the PE and sport department at Oxford High School said:  “Absolute scenes. What a game. Absolutely incredible game of football, incredible goals, incredible passion.

"Things we love to see. Sunday 11am. Cancel all your plans. Women’s World Cup Final- history makers."

Oxford Mail: England manager Sandra Wiegman with defender Alex GreenwoodEngland manager Sandra Wiegman with defender Alex Greenwood (Image: PA)

City councillor Shaista Aziz said: “Absolutely phenomenal. Lionesses are in the World Cup Final.”

The Prince of Wales also shared his congratulations to the team after the game.

Prince William said: “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final.

“Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.”

England cricket fans took great delight in the Lionesses getting one over the Aussies, with the Barmy Army saying in an online post “Oh bye bye Aussies, bye bye” towards the end of the game.

There were jubilant scenes across the county as the final whistle blew and many fans embraced each other ahead of the final against Spain on Sunday.

Oxford Mail: England celebrate after reaching World Cup final

Attacking midfielder Ella Toone made herself one of the heroes of the day with a brilliant first-half strike, making Lionesses fans believe they could make their first World Cup final.

Composed finishes from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo rounded off a professional display, helping England sweep aside the host nation.

Former England striker Gary Lineker added his congratulations, tweeting: “Well played Lionesses. Absolutely superb performance.

“A World Cup final. A World Cup final at football. It’s been a while. What a wonderful achievement.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak added his thoughts on the game, tweeting: “What a performance Lionesses.

“Just one more game to go… Bring on Sunday.”

Oxford Mail: England celebrate after reaching World Cup final

Analysis by the PA news agency showed fans would have to fork out almost £2,500 on return flights to Sydney if they want to attend the final in person.

Mischa McDonald, 12, was one of about a dozen young players celebrating the result at England captain Millie Bright’s former club, Killamarsh Dynamos.

On the final, Mischa, who also attends Bright’s former school, said: “I know we’ll do it and I think Millie will lift the cup like Leah Williamson did (at the Euros).”

She added that the Lionesses’ success was “a really big inspiration”.

The Welsh Guards Band performed one of England’s footballing anthems Sweet Caroline during Wednesday’s Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace after the win.

The final kicks off at 8pm local time (11am BST).