Jess Hardiman
Viewers have spotted England star Ella Toone’s heart-warming goal celebration gesture during the Lionesses’ semi-final win.
The English side landed their place in the Women's World Cup final this Sunday (20 August) after beating hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney today (16 August).
The historic victory saw them became the first English side since 1966 to reach the final on the world stage.
Ella Toone took England into the lead in the first half, before Australia’s Sam Kerr equalised half an hour later.
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However, two further second half strikes from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured the Lionesses’ victory, granting them a spot in this weekend’s final against Spain.
After Manchester United star Toone’s incredible top corner goal in the 36th minute, she celebrated by running across the pitch with her hands held in a love heart above her head - a moment that didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
Saying her celebration hit them ‘right in the feels’, one viewer pondered: “Wonder if the heart was for her family. You're a legend Ella Toone.”
But it turns out there was another reason for the heart, which she’d explained in a previous interview ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the 23-year-old explained how she planned to celebrate if she scored, saying: "In tournament football moments fall to different people and it's if you take those moments.
"We've definitely had a lot of them throughout the tournament.
"I'm sure if it falls to me in the box then I'd be buzzing if I put it away. Usually [with celebrations] anything happens.
"But, I'm on strict orders from my mates. We all got a matching tattoo before I came out [to Australia]. They want me to kiss it and do a little love heart. I promised them I'd do that."
After the incredible semi-final triumph, captain Millie Bright said it was a moment the team had ‘wanted for so long’.
"We had amazing success last summer, but we always knew there was something missing and it was the World Cup,” she told BBC One.
“Now we have that opportunity and like Less [Russo] said before, the dream remains alive. What an incredible semi-final.”
Bright added that to lead the team out for the final on Sunday will feel ‘incredible’, adding: “Crazy, to be honest I’m just keeping two feet on the ground and remaining on task and focused.
“I don’t even have any words for that, to be saying we’re going to the final is crazy and overwhelming - there’s so many different emotions.
“Just so happy we could give the fans the dream they wanted back home and the fans that are here as well, but to lead them out will be absolutely incredible.”