England Powerchair through to the World Cup final

England have reached the final of the 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup after an excellent 1-0 win over the USA.

The Para Lions secured their place in Friday’s final against reigning world champions France earlier in the morning courtesy of Ed Common’s goal ten minutes from time.

Friday’s final at the Quaycentre in Sydney Olympic Park will be a repeat of the 2019 EURO final when England secured their first major tournament with a win on penalties.

England’s starting line-up against the USA were all part of the side that lifted the EUROs and they started brightly, as their impressive press led to early pressure.

The USA had beaten England 3-1 in the group stages largely because of their trademark set-piece routine but whilst Riley Johnson forced the Para Lions into a save during the first half, Colin Gordon’s men defended much better in the semi-final clash.

England captain Jon Bolding and vice-captain Chris Gordon were both superb in defence, while Marcus Harrison and Ed Common provide their side with dangerous outlets in attack.

Harrison and Bolding both forced saves in the first half but neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

Harrison was denied once again within 20 seconds of the second half beginning and had another effort inside the first minute.

England continued to be the better side and Bolding became the latest to have a shot saved from a free-kick.

And their pressure paid off with ten minutes remaining when Harrison and Bolding exchanged passes on the left and the captain expertly picked out Common at the back post and he scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Pete Winslow’s set-piece delivery had been the scourge of England in the group stages but England defended his deliveries much better in the semi-final. The dangerous Jordan Dickey did have an effort from close range saved in the final minute but the excellent Gordon was there to deny him, closely supported by Bolding.

The final whistle was met by a loud roar from the England fans in attendance and now they can look forward to seeing their team in the final of the 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup against France.

Kick-off is at 7pm local time/9am BST and you can watch the match in full below.

England starting line-up v USA: 4 Ed Common, 7 Chris Gordon, 8 Jon Bolding, 9 Marcus Harrison

Substitutes not used: 5 Dave Lewis, 10 Dan McLellan, 11 Tyler Reeve, 19 Brad Bates

Goal: Ed Common 30

Bookings: Marcus Harrison 28, Jon Bolding 29