England record fifth place World Championship finish with overtime win against Australia

Jordan Carr scored an overtime winner to defeat Australia 8-7 and seal a fifth place finish for England at the Nissin Foods 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.

England had led the contest since early in the first quarter, but as the game entered the final three minutes Australia had rallied and the scores were tied at 7-7 with Britt Read having to make a crucial save in the final seconds to send the game to the additional period.

For the third Women’s World Championship in a row England and Australia met in their final match and for a third time it went to overtime with England scoring the winner to continue their recent positive record against the Aussies.

However, as has been a theme in England matches, a weather delay sent the teams to the dressing rooms for close to 90 minutes and when the sides returning in a humid, oppressive atmosphere England were unable to build on their impressive start.

The sides traded goals in a low-key second quarter sending England in to the half-time 5-2 up. But from then on Australia managed to turn the screw.

England’s shooting percentage dropped, some uncharacteristic mistakes appeared and the Aussies closed the gap. After Annie Mather scored to make it 6-3, Australia hit a three-goal run either side of the ¾ time, tying the game at 6-6 with 7:00 to play.

Mather responded again to put England back ahead just a minute later but Australia again responded to set up a hugely nervous final couple of minutes.

Australia won the next draw and pressured England looking a lapse in concentration. Instead, they found a resolute defence and when Australia forced a shot with 10 seconds to go, Read was equal to it and sent the game to overtime.

The pattern then repeated at the start of overtime with Australia gaining first possession and calling Read into action again, before Lizzie Rutherford was able to draw an offensive foul and earn England the crucial turnover.

Finally on attack, England remained patient looking for the right opening before top England point scorer Sofia Wise drove from behind and spotted the perfect open cut from Carr who claimed the pin-point feed and finished the ball to secure the win and huge celebrations.

England finish the tournament with a 5-1 winning record scoring 83 goals and finishing with a +46 goal difference overall.

Anna Viglione ranked 2nd for draw controls tallying 58, while Read made 36 saves @50% to finish only behind USA’s Shea Dolce in save percentage for goalies with more than 10 saves. Dylan Whittington finished the tournament with nine saves @90% to finish with the best save percentage of all goalies in total.

England Scorers: Annie Mather (2G), Sofia Wise (1G 1A), Jordan Carr (1G), Cece Green (1G), Emma Savage (1G), Teagan Scott (1G), Liv Wimpenny (1G)