All eyes on Wednesday evening will probably be locked in on the Matildas semi-final conflict as they tackle England for a spot within the World Cup closing.
Australia has rallied behind the Matildas with help extra paramount than ever after they go up towards the fourth ranked Lionesses.
After overcoming fellow European giants France in a historic penalty shootout, the Matildas will head into the competition as soon as once more because the underdog.
England sit atop betting leaderboards to reign supreme and enter the Wednesday evening conflict with a close to good file.
After going undefeated all through the group stage, the Lionesses’ fell behind on the scoreboard for the primary time of their quarterfinal contest when Colombia scored the opening objective.
They’ll head into the match with out star Lauren James after a surprising brainfade of their Round of 16 conflict with Nigeria that landed her a two-match suspension.
Here’s every thing you could learn about Australia’s subsequent World Cup opponent and the gamers to regulate.
England’s gamers and the place they play
The Lionesses line-up in a 3-4-1-2 formation and had been pressured to make one change to their beginning XI after James’ two-match ban. Ella Toone was thrust into the beginning squad and lined up behind forwards Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (Manchester United).
Defenders: Jess Carter (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa).
Forwards: Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United).
Bench: Chloe Kelly (Man City), Bethany England (Tottenham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Esme Morgan (Man City), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man United), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albon).
England’s huge stars to fret about
Millie Bright
The captain shouldn’t be solely among the best defenders on the planet, she’s among the best gamers on the planet.
Bright could have her arms full however there’s arguably no one higher to deal with the duty at hand with the skipper realizing the ins and outs of Kerr.
The two are teammates at Chelsea and can extra possible than not spend appreciable time reverse each other.
Lucy Bronze
Bronze, like Bright, is among the finest gamers at present on the planet after each featured within the prime 20 of final yr’s Ballon d’Or Feminin.
The midfield battle is the place the sport on Wednesday evening will probably be gained and misplaced with the 31-year-old important of their success.
As England’s most skilled participant within the squad, Bronze would be the key to England reaching their first World Cup closing.
Mary Earps
Australia struggled to search out the again of the web towards France and could have a good more durable time towards England.
Earps was voted one of the best goalkeeper on the planet on the FIFA awards final yr with the 30-year-old solely permitting two objectives by way of 5 video games.
Alessia Russo
The Matildas have saved three straight clear sheets, however their defensive unit was blown huge open through the group phases and has proven indicators of vulnerability all through the match.
Russo and attacking companion Lauren Hemp have mixed to kick 4 objectives thus far within the World Cup.
The Arsenal striker produced a second of magic within the second half of their quarterfinal encounter and slotted the match successful objective.
Bethany England
After lacking out on England’s European success, England rediscovered her offensive prowess all through the Premier League.
With 13 objectives in 14 appearances for Tottenham, she’ll present ahead power and can maintain Australia’s defenders on their toes when her quantity is named.
Australia and England will face off on Wednesday, August 16 at 8pm (AEST) from Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
Source: www.news.com.au
