England midfielder Walsh shows her class as she consoles Sam Kerr after the game

England star Keira Walsh was seen consoling Australia goalscorer Sam Kerr at the final whistle as the Lionesses booked their place in the Women's World Cup final.

Kerr had threatened to end England's World Cup dream when she fired home a stunning long-range effort to bring her side level in the 63rd minute after Ella Toone's first-half opener.

But her strike was not enough as Lauren Hemp restored England's lead and then set up Alessia Russo after a fine solo run to seal a 3-1 victory for Sarina Wiegman's team.

Hemp was mobbed by her team-mates after the game following her player of the match display, but Walsh went straight over to Kerr.

The Chelsea striker was visibly upset after her side's elimination, but shared a touching moment with Walsh as the pair embraced following a hard-fought match between the two teams.

Walsh's team-mates then made their way over to hug Kerr, who shone in the match, but was unable to steer Australia to glory.

It has been a difficult tournament for Kerr as she has been nursing a calf injury that forced her to miss the entire group stage.

She made her return off the bench in Australia's last 16 win against Denmark, and came on as a substitute again during her nation's dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the quarter-finals.

Kerr was finally handed her first start against England, and was keen to make up for lost time.

With her side trailing, she picked the ball up just inside the England half and ran at Millie Bright before hitting an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

At the time, it looked like a game-changing moment, but England regathered themselves and finished strongly to earn their spot in Sunday's final, while Kerr missed a couple of chances as the Lionesses rode their luck late on.

Walsh is now primed to play a key role in the final, as England look to overcome Spain to become world champions in Sydney, one year on from winning the Euros at Wembley.