Australian papers turn the screw ahead of England's World Cup semi-final clash with the Matildas... claiming the hosts will 'tame the Lionesses'

The Australian newspapers have been ramping up the pressure and boasting of their team's excellence ahead of England's clash with the Matildas in Sydney - claiming they are 'ready to tame the Lionesses'. Sarina Wiegman's side face off against the hosts in front of around 80,000 fans later today in what has been dubbed 'The Smashes' - a continuation of this summer's epic sporting bout between the two nations after the Ashes and netball World Cup final. With a spot in the World Cup final on the line, Sam Kerr's Matildas are ready to tame the Lionesses in Sydney tonight,' they added. 📰⚽️ pic.twitter.com/5yHqQUw8dE — Mail Sport August 16, 2023 The Australian Daily Telegraph claimed the hosts will put the Lionesses 'to the sword' The Advertiser commanded Sarina Wiegman's side to 'move over' for the 'pride of Austrlia' Both sides have relied on a mix of brilliant football and penalty shootout heroics to get to this stage. The Herald Sun recognised just how immense the occasion is, saying: 'A proud nation will cheer as one when the mighty Matildas aim to tame our oldest sporting rival, England, in a World Cup clash bigger than the Ashes'.