ENGLAND’S arch-enemy David Warner has launched a sledging war ahead of Wednesday’s football World Cup semi-final between the Lionesses and Australia.

The long-time Ashes “villain” warned The Matildas to “keep an eye out in case the Poms ask to change the ball”.

That’s a reference to Ben Stokes‘ men rescuing a 2-2 Ashes draw after a controversial umpires’ decision helped them win the Fifth Test.

The Aussies were furious when an ageing ball – knocked out of shape when it hit Usman Khawaja’s helmet – was replaced by a hard, new-ish one.

The tourists plunged from 140-0 to 175-3 and were all out for 334, handing England a 49-run victory at The Oval.

That denied Australia a first Ashes win away from home since 2001.

Now Warner has showed the Aussies are still smarting and keen for their women’s football team to extract revenge with a jibe on social media.

He posted: “An early good luck to the @TheMatildas. Just keep an eye out in case the Poms ask to change the ball” – plus crying-with-laughter emojis.

“Well played mate!” replied one fan, but that brought the response: “The best he’s played all year” – as Warner averaged just 28.5 in the Ashes.

One barmy Army backer joked: “Q. What’s the difference between Cinderella and David Warner? A. Cinderella knew when to leave the ball.”

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Another said: “Ok, good banter but the reality is the Poms had nothing to do with the ball change.”

But the teasing didn’t stop as a fan told Warner: “Dunno know why you’re bothered, you’re never around long enough to see the ball get old!”

The Lionesses face The Matildas at 11am UK time on Wednesday for the right to meet Spain in Sunday’s final at the same Stadium Australia venue in Sydney.

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