WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL 2023
SPAIN VS ENGLAND
Sunday 20th August, 11am
Spain @ 4/5
England @ 19/20
view odds
THE ROAD TO SYDNEY
And so here it is. No more Baddiel, Skinner and Broudie. An end to the 56 years of hurt is in sight with England’s fearless Lionnesses standing on the precipice of history once again.
This team – a microcosm of Weigmann’s vision, class, teamwork and togetherness – has rolled up its sleeves and ploughed its way deep into the tournament. Not quite the overwhelming power of last summer’s waltz to glory, but something grittier and perhaps more difficult to stop.
There has been enforced evolution. The absence of 2022’s stars – Mead, Williamson and Kirby has diminished England’s capacity for flair, but in its place a tenacity has grown. Hemp and Toone terrier-like either side of Russo who never stops running. Walsh and Stanway putting out fires in midfield, with Bright and Carter never shirking a physical challenge – as Sam Kerr found out on Tuesday.
England 2.0 is a team that knows how to win. The 3-1 semi-final victory over the Matildas in front of a rapturous home support was the Lionesses’ most complete of the tournament and they look ready to take their chance in the final against a Spain side that has sparkled on the world stage.
PLAYERS
Lauren Hemp
She came into the tournament with her starting place established, but perhaps not remembered as one of the standouts of last summer’s Euros. Her three goals have all arrived at crucial moments, the vital equaliser against Columbia before half time and her bundled effort putting England back in front just eight minutes after Sam Kerr’s wondergoal to strangle the life out of Aussie comeback hopes.
Alessia Russo
After 86 draining semi-final minutes covering every blade of grass, she had the ruthless precision to calmly lash the ball into the bottom corner and send England through. She was the Euro’s super sub popping up with key goals but always playing second fiddle to the now-retired Ellen White. Like Hemp, she has stepped up in this tournament. Her tireless running and eye for goal are crucial to England’s chances on Sunday. It is 9/2 for both Russo and Ella Toone to have a shot on target during the 90 minutes.
Jess Carter
Replacing Leah Williamson was never going to be easy. Likewise partnering Millie Bright who was returning from a long lay-off put the microscope on England’s backline in the early stages. But after an initially hesitant start, Carter has found her stride and has slowly but surely become one of England’s players of the tournament. She was uncompromising in her treatment of Chelsea teammate Kerr delivering a thunderous challenge on her when the rest of her teammates looked unable to cope with Kerr’s raw power and skill.
OPPOSITION
Spain have been a joy to watch thus far playing free scoring and expansive football. They have scored seventeen goals en route to the final and boast a fearsome array of attacking options.
In Alexia Putellas they have a modern day legend, a winner of back to back Ballon d’Ors while leading the charge for an all-conquering Barcelona side. Her return from an ACL tear is undoubtedly a big boost for Las Roja’s chances.
That said, she hasn’t been at her swaggering best in this tournament and other players have stepped in to fill the void. Her club mate Aitana Bonmati has come to the forefront and, in nineteen year old Salma Paralluelo, another gem has been uncovered. She is 11/2 to score and Spain to lift the trophy
While they remain slight favourites for this clash 8/5 to England’s 9/5, Japan’s 4-0 smash and grab against them in the group stages proved that if a team can get it right against them, the results can be devastating. England will be boosted by Lauren James’ return and her pace on the counterattack could be decisive. She is 4/1 to score anytime.
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