Sunday, August 20th. 11am UK-time. Deep breaths ..
England Women know what it takes to win a major final and they can add the World Cup to their cabinet alongside the European Championship trophy they won last summer.
Having ended Australia’s hopes of lifting the big prize on home soil, Sarina Wiegman’s side will be full of confidence at kick-off time in Stadium Australia in Sydney, and they will also be buoyed by the fact they beat Spain on their way to Euro glory in 2022.
It was 1-1 that day, with the Lionesses prevailing in a penalty shootout but the togetherness and winning mentality that they have shown in the biggest matches suggests England could finish the job in normal time.
Spain Women vs England Women Tips
Team news
Oihane Hernandez may have to settle for a place on the bench after missing the semi-final win over Sweden through suspension. Olga Carmona deputised against the Swedes and is likely to keep her place in the final after scoring a stunning goal. Alba Redondo is likely to start despite a recent knock.
Sarina Wiegman is likely to name an unchanged side once again despite Lauren James returning from a two-match ban. Ella Toone replaced James and scored England’s opener against Australia on Wednesday.
England Women to win & both teams score @ 11/2
England rarely disappoint in the biggest fixtures and they were hugely impressive when seeing off tournament co-hosts Australia last Wednesday.
A huge crowd was roaring on the Matildas but it didn’t faze the Lionesses even when the Australians equalised in the second half.
Sarina Wiegman has instilled a winning belief in the England squad and they look great value to lift the trophy inside normal time.
Both finalists had a few bumps in the road on the way to this decider but their semi-final wins were impressive and this could be an enthralling encounter in Sydney and both teams are fancied to get on the scoresheet.
Spain have outscored England 16-13 across the tournament and their free-flowing style makes them a danger.
However, there is a steely determination to the Lionesses and Spain’s off-field issues surrounding their coach Jorge Vilda suggest they may struggle to lift themselves if England get on top.
Both teams have failed to score in only one of their fixtures down under and three of England’s last four have seen both teams get on the scoresheet. Back England to prevail in a lively contest, while a 2-1 win in favour of the Lionesses at 10/1 could be the way to go for correct score punters.
Lauren Hemp to score at anytime @ 3/1
One of England’s strengths is their ability to score from all across the park with full-backs Rachel Daly and Lucy Bronze often popping up in the opposition penalty area.
Ella Toone has also shown an eye for goal from midfield, while Lauren James and Chloe Kelly could make an impact off the bench if needed.
However, Alessio Russo and Lauren Hemp have bagged three goals each in the tournament and Hemp looks great value to extend her scoring streak.
The left winger is a constant threat and looks a good bet at 3/1 to bag a goal in the final.
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