England and Australia will meet in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday in a match that is expected to be close and competitive.
The Lionesses are the favorites to win the tournament, but they will be wary of an Australian team that is playing at home and has a strong squad.
England boss Sarina Wiegman has warned that the Matildas will not be easy opponents.
“I don’t think Australia are the underdogs,” she said. “They are playing at home and the stadium will be very full. It’s going to be very tight and competitive.”
Wiegman is right to be wary of Australia. The Matildas have a number of talented players, including Sam Kerr, who is the top scorer in the tournament with seven goals.
Kerr is expected to start the game on the bench after recovering from a calf injury, but she could be a major threat if she comes on as a substitute.
Other players to watch out for in the Australian team include Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, and Alanna Kennedy.
England will be hoping to get the better of Australia and reach their first World Cup final since 2015.
The Lionesses have a strong squad of their own, led by Ellen White, who is the second-top scorer in the tournament with six goals.
White will be hoping to add to her tally against Australia, but she will need to be at her best to overcome a tough Matildas defense.
The other players to watch out for in the England team include Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, and Fran Kirby.
The semi-final between England and Australia is sure to be a close and exciting match. It is a match that both teams will be desperate to win, and it is one that could go either way.
