PUB goers in Winchester watched on with mounting excitement as The Lionesses triumphed in the World Cup semi-final.

England are through to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will play Spain in the ultimate battle on Sunday.

Winchester residents and those visiting the city weren’t put off by the 11am start as they came out to see the semi-final game against Australia on the big screen at the pub.

Hampshire Chronicle: Celebrating the winCelebrating the win (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Jim Begg, Louisa Smith and Paula Marshall were thrilled with the result and have already reserved their table at The Bakers Arms for the final on Sunday.

READ MORE: Live updates as fans watch The Lionesses in the semi-finals of the World Cup

Louisa, 50, from Winnall, said: "We're all big football fans. The match was brilliant, they played really well. They were lacking defence in parts but they just keep getting better and better.

"It's inspiring young girls to play, I would be playing if I was them. It's so nice to see so many more opportunities for people to play."

Jim, 48, from Winnall, said: "It's still not as good as the men's if I'm honest. But this is massive for them and for women's football."

Hampshire Chronicle: From left: Paula Marshall, Louisa Smith and Jim Begg

Paula, 60, from Winchester city centre, said: "We've got to be confident they'll do it on Sunday. We'll be in the pub celebrating.

"Sunday will definitely be busier here as people are at work today."

Best friends and women's football fans Karen Harper and Marie Cornlouer, from Stanmore, were waiting at the door bright and early, ready to watch the game at The Exchange, in Southgate Street.

Hampshire Chronicle: Marie and Karen in their lucky seatsMarie and Karen in their lucky seats (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Speaking ahead of the game, Marie, 46, said: "We're pretty excited, we've been following them the whole way. I think we'll do it but it's going to be tough.

"We have more gin at home to celebrate and we'll be back here for the final."

Karen, 47, said: "We've got the same seat and the same drinks as the quarter-final so we're hoping for the same luck.

"I've been following the Lionesses for years and they've come a long way. The stadiums used to be empty."

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Hampshire Chronicle: Ozzy fans at O'Neill'sOzzy fans at O'Neill's (Image: Adele Bouchard)

But it wasn’t just England fans out in Winchester. Jane and Hugh Denning, from New South Wales, were visiting the city for the first time and stopped at The Exchange to catch the game.

Jane, 57, said: "We're on our way to London but we had to find a pub to watch the game. It's so exciting for women's sport. It's fabulous - look at the crowds.

"We're supporting the Tillies but England played brilliantly, very well deserved."

Hugh, 64, said: "It's not quite what we wanted."

Hampshire Chronicle: Hugh and Jane at The ExchangeHugh and Jane at The Exchange (Image: Adele Bouchard)

David Uttley, 61, of Gordon Road, watched the action at The Bakers Arms. He said: “I thought it was a brilliant game. I’m glad England won, it was great to see them win and lift the nation. They played impressive and beautiful football."

Janice Emblem, 61, retired, said: “I’m really pleased the England team have achieved their goals today, I hope they go on to win the World Cup. 

“I feel sorry for Australia but I just wanted England to win. It’s good for women’s football and if they win the World Cup then they should have a pay increase and be paid as much as the men.”

England play Spain in the final at 11am on Sunday, August 20. Click through the gallery at the top of the page to see more photos of Winchester's reaction.