England v Spain: How Suffolk will celebrate Lionesses final

The Lionesses beat Australia 3-1 in Wednesday's semi-final in Sydney and will now go on to play Spain for the trophy on Sunday. 

The win is a historic one, marking the first time both England's and Spain's women's teams competed in a World Cup final.

Lauren Hemp, who scored England's second goal of the match and who hails from North Walsham in Norfolk (Image: PA)

Suffolk FA Football Development Officer (Women & Girls) Isabel Chaplin congratulated the England squad and said: "The Lionesses produced a splendid team performance to overcome the co-hosts and deservedly take their place in Sunday’s final.

"The possibility of simultaneously being both European and World champions is a mouth-watering one and would be richly deserved.

"The impact of an England team playing in a World Cup Final for the first time in 57 years will be massive for the female game in this country which has made huge strides in recent years.

The team will go on to play Spain in the final on Sunday (Image: PA)

"What the Lionesses have already achieved will inspire future generations and we will continue to work to support this legacy through our programmes, clubs and leagues." 

Wednesday's match between England and Australia saw Ella Toone score just 36 minutes in, in front of a 75,784-strong crowd.

Australia captain Sam Kerr, making her first start of competition, equalised for the first-time semi-finalists with a stunning individual goal after the break before Lauren Hemp, from North Walsham in Norfolk, put England back out in front with a goal in the 71st minute.

Alessia Russo scored the last goal of the match (Image: PA)

Alessia Russo added another late in the second half to cap off the historic win for the Lionesses and set up an all-European final showdown against Spain on Sunday.

England are now one win away from lifting two major trophies in just under 13 months following their triumph at last summer's European Championships.

Australia will play Sweden for third place in Brisbane on Saturday.

Events are planned across the county for the match on Sunday, and Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed there will be a large screen showing coverage of the build-up and final in Ipswich Cornhill. 

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council leader, said: "Ipswich Borough Council is thrilled to enable events that bring the community together.

"What better way for Ipswich to watch the final this Sunday than at no cost with families of all ages on the Cornhill in the town centre on a large screen." 

Food, and, hot and soft drinks stalls will also be available to buy from small independent traders as part of the event.

The team beat Australia 3-1 on Wednesday (Image: PA)

AFC Sudbury Women's team has also announced it will be screening the game in the clubhouse on Sunday ahead of their first fixture of the season against Norwich City. 

The event will start at 10.30am ready for the Lionesses to kick off at 11am, with the AFC Sudbury match beginning at 2.30pm. 

Posting on social media, Suffolk-based comedian and Ipswich Town Football Club supporter Omid Djalili said: "England make the women’s World Cup final. Sunday 10am v Spain Prediction: Lauren James to come back and win it."

Congratulations have come from the royal family and other famous faces (Image: PA)

The King and the Prince of Wales also gave messages of congratulations to the Lionesses after Wednesday's win. 

In a message on the Royal Family social media account, King Charles said: "My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday's match.

"While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch - and for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect."

Prince William tweeted his congratulations to the England team after the game in a personally signed tweet, saying: "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."