Sports fans celebrate as England reach the Cricket World Cup final

England have the chance to win their first ever World Cup after reaching the final of the Cricket World Cup by thrashing arch-rivals Australia today. 

The three-times runners-up put in an outstanding performance as they romped to a comfortable victory at Edgbaston, in Birmingham. 

Fans celebrated wildly after the win, waving farewell to Australian supporters who left early as the game heading to its conclusion. 

The final, which will take place at Lords in London on Sunday, will see England face-off against New Zealand in their first final appearance since 1992. 

The home team will be the favourites going into the showpiece, after thrashing their opponents just eight days ago in the group stage.  

The big match will be shown for free on Channel 4 and More 4, as well as on Sky Sports, Channel 4 announced after today’s semi-final. 

England fans celebrated jubilantly at Edgbaston, in Birmingham, as they watched their team thrash arch rivals Australia

England captain Eoin Morgan is embraced by star batsman Joe Root after scoring the winning runs in the semi-final match

England captain Eoin Morgan is embraced by star batsman Joe Root after scoring the winning runs in the semi-final match

Some Australian fans left early and were serenaded by England fans in the crowd as they made their exits

Some Australian fans left early and were serenaded by England fans in the crowd as they made their exits

The England Players' wives and girlfriends celebrate the dominant victory in a corporate box

The England Players’ wives and girlfriends celebrate the dominant victory in a corporate box

England's  hero Jason Roy embraces friends and family after his impressive performance today

England’s  hero Jason Roy embraces friends and family after his impressive performance today

Whatever the result of Sunday’s final, the trophy will have a new name on it  for the first time since 1996, as New Zealand have also never won the competition.  

It was a comfortable win for the England team, chasing down Australia’s total with 18 overs to spare. 

Captain Eoin Morgan scored the winning runs, sparking wild celebrations in the stands at a packed Edgbaston. 

The victory came on the back of an excellent bowling performance that saw Australia’s big-hitting batsmen restricted to just 223.  

Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid performed wonders with the ball after Australia chose to bat first, reducing the visitors to 14 for three in a frenzied opening burst before restricting them to a relatively low score. 

England’s victory was built on the back of an excellent performance from opener Jason Roy, who smashed three sixes in a row and scored 85 off 65 balls. 

England fans celebrate after winning the ICC World Cup, Semi Final at Edgbaston today

England fans celebrate after winning the ICC World Cup, Semi Final at Edgbaston today 

England's victory was built on the back of an excellent batting performance from Jason Roy, pictured raising his bat as he acknowledges applause from supporters

England’s victory was built on the back of an excellent batting performance from Jason Roy, pictured raising his bat as he acknowledges applause from supporters

England's captain Eoin Morgan scored the winning runs in the semi-final match today

England’s captain Eoin Morgan scored the winning runs in the semi-final match today

Morgan will now lead England to Lord’s and said: ‘I am delighted. I would like to thank the fans to start, we’ve had unbelievable support.

‘Today is a good example of just going out and setting the tone from ball one.’

On star bowler Chris Woakes, Morgan said: ‘I am extremely happy for him. He’s a cool customer, he’s been one of the best bowlers in the first 10 overs for a couple of years and today was his day.’ 

It gives British fans the chance to finally win a trophy, after England’s men and women’s team both lost World Cup semi-finals in the past 12 months and Andy Murray bowed out of Wimbledon a few days ago. 

The cricket team’s victory comes a year to the day that the men’s football team lost against Croatia.  

Joe Root spreads his arms wide in celebration after a famous victory against Australia in Birmingham today

Joe Root spreads his arms wide in celebration after a famous victory against Australia in Birmingham today

England fans celebrate after watching their team make the Cricket World Cup final today

England fans celebrate after watching their team make the Cricket World Cup final today

Channel 4 has struck a deal with Sky Sports, which holds the UK broadcast rights for the tournament, to show the match at Lord’s and will combine it with its live coverage of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix.

Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon said: ‘This is fantastic news for cricket fans and the nation.

‘This Sunday is a massive day for British sport with England tantalisingly close to lifting the Cricket World Cup for the first time and Lewis Hamilton setting his sights on his seventh win at Silverstone – all live on Channel 4.’

Sky UK and Ireland chief executive Stephen van Rooyen added: ‘England in the final on home soil is a huge moment for sport in this country and we are proud to be the host broadcaster.

‘Thanks to our strong relationship with Channel 4, we are partnering to make the game available to everyone, so the whole country can get behind England, and be part of a special national sporting event.’

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