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Mary Earps had promised the best was "yet to come" from England at the World Cup after three limp but dogged performances out of four had earned them a place in this quarter-final.
In front of 75,784 overwhelmingly hostile fans, they delivered. Well, mostly. It was far from complete, but it was a huge improvement, and the forwards Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo ensured England came from behind against Colombia to set up a mouthwatering semifinal against the co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.
In a heart-pounding encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Lionesses roared back from behind to claim a thrilling victory against a determined Colombian side. With their eyes set on the prize, England's women's football team showcased their resilience and determination, rallying to secure a 2-1 triumph over Colombia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
"We know if we play at our best, we are unstoppable," Hemp told the BBC regarding the match-up with Australia. "As a group, we showed the team that we wanted to be today and hopefully in a few days we'll do that against Australia."
The atmosphere at Stadium Australia was nothing short of electrifying as fans from all corners of the globe converged to witness the intense clash between England and Colombia. With a carnival-like mood in the air, the stadium pulsated with energy, akin to a street festival.
England supporters, passionate Colombians, and spirited Australians turned out in full force, creating an unforgettable spectacle as they celebrated their teams' journey through the tournament.
The Lionesses, accustomed to playing in front of large crowds, faced a uniquely hostile environment that harkened back to their 2019 semifinal against the USA and the 2015 quarter-final against Canada.
However, this latest challenge proved to be a test of character, as England embraced the boos and jeers, using it as motivation to demonstrate their mettle on the field.
Drawing inspiration from past encounters, where they had emerged victorious, England entered the match determined to leave their mark. Memories of a hard-fought 2-1 win against Colombia in the 2015 World Cup group stage served as a reminder of their resilience in the face of adversity.
This time, with only a few veterans remaining from that squad, the Lionesses again found themselves battling their way to the final four, now the favorites.
Coach Sarina Wiegman's tactical choices came into play as England displayed a more vibrant and attacking style than their previous outings. The Lionesses started brightly, with forwards Russo and Hemp leading the charge.
Although Colombia managed to break the deadlock with a stunning strike, England's response was swift and determined. A gritty performance and a scrappy equalizer highlighted their tenacity, and England's fans were treated to a display of skill and determination that mirrored their Euro triumph last year.
England's strategy paid off once more as the game progressed, with Russo's clinical finish putting them in the lead. Despite enduring late pressure from a relentless Colombian surge, the Lionesses held their ground, demonstrating their defensive prowess and securing their fifth major semifinal appearance in just eight years.
Mary Earps, who had been vocal about England's potential, made crucial saves to thwart Colombia's attempts, while Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo emerged as the heroes of the match, showcasing their resilience and determination when it mattered most. The Lionesses' ability to rally and seize victory from the jaws of defeat is a testament to their unwavering spirit and teamwork.
As the World Cup drama unfolds, England's upcoming semifinal clash against co-hosts Australia promises to be a battle of epic proportions.
The Lionesses are set to face yet another formidable challenge on their quest for glory, and fans can expect an exhilarating showdown that will undoubtedly captivate the world's attention. With momentum and a hunger for success, England's Lionesses are primed to continue their remarkable journey and stake their claim as the world's best.