England Women’s final group stage fixture of the 2023 Women’s World Cup sees them take on China Women at the Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday afternoon (12.00).

The Lionesses currently sit top of Group D, and are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stages, while China are also hoping to book their place in the last-16 with a positive result here.

The Lionesses have not been their usual dominant selves, securing two nervy 1-0 victories over Haiti and Denmark, however, a point in this game would be enough to secure top spot. Meanwhile, China are up against a significant challenge, needing to better Denmark’s result against Haiti to reach the knockout round.

Team News

China boss Shui Qingxia is unable to call on the suspended Zhang Rui. Zhang Xin is expected to deputise for the Dragons Team.

Experienced forward Wang Shanshan is again expected to lead the attack in Adelaide.

As for England, Keira Walsh is ruled out of the final group game after being stretchered off against Denmark and, still remains a doubt for the remainder of the tournament.

England to win and under 2.5 goals @ 15/8

England have struggled to find their very best form in the opening two games, but they have still managed to pick up consecutive victories, and their extra quality should see them through this game too.

Given this entire group has produced low-scoring games, there’s an expectation that this match will follow suit, and backing England to win and under 2.5 goals is the way to go here, for me.

The Lionesses have won both of their group stage matches by one goal to nil, while China have won one and lost one of their two matches by the same scoreline.

Although, England have been struggling for goals, they have shored things up defensively in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three games on the bounce after managing just one in their previous six outings.

Highest-scoring half – first half @ 21/10

Both of England’s goals so far have come in the first half, and they’re likely to start fast here, and try to put China under pressure early in the match.

Given that the Lionesses only need a draw, it makes sense for them to put forth their attacking pressure through the opening 45 minutes. If they get an opener, they can sit back knowing they now have a cushion and only need a draw, happy to sit on the ball and take the sting out of the game.

China know that they need to better Denmark’s result against Haiti, so I can see them throwing everything at the Lionesses from minute one, which should leave gaps for England to exploit.