2023 Women’s World Cup: England’s route to the final
England’s 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign has, so far, been a little rocky. But if there’s one positive to take away – this team can dig deep and get the win. The Lionesses’ defence and goalkeeper Mary Earps (ranked the world’s number one goalkeeper) are solid – and if England needs to take it to penalties, they will and they’re confident from the spot.
England’s opening game against Haiti saw the Lionesses win 1-0, although it was far from a great performance from the European champions. Pundits and fans chalked up the slow start to first-game nerves. England struggled to score from open play, but a retaken penalty meant their world cup start saw 3 points on the board.
The second group game saw England play Norway (the toughest opponent in the group). It was another tough performance, key player Keira Walsh went down injured within the first half, and everyone feared the worst – another dreaded ACL injury.
But England dug deep and were able to win 1-0 after a stunning strike from Lauren James.
And more good news came after, Walsh did not suffer an ACL injury and she would be back in action by the Round of 16 game.
England’s final group stage game saw them beat China 6-1 in a stunning display, many pundits declared it as England’s arrival in the world cup. The team, with a switched-up formation, played some truly incredible football – for the first time in the tournament they looked like a credible threat for the title.
Positives in performances
But by the Round of 16 – against Nigeria, England seemed to struggle once again. Unable to keep up with the physicality of Nigeria, the game went to extra time at 0-0 and then penalties.
On top of that, England’s star player Lauren James was shown a red card for standing on an opponent.
For England to have any hope of winning the world cup, they must start playing like they did in the China game.
There are positives to England’s performances though. They won all their group games, they’ve only conceded one goal and more than any other team, they’ve faced and adapted to unexpected changes and injuries.
They’ve shown their defensive display. The one goal they’ve conceded has been from the spot. And on top of that, they are a team who are confident at taking penalties.
Whilst they will now need to adjust to being without James – a key goal scorer, England’s biggest asset is their boss Sarina Wiegman, if anyone can see them through to a World Cup win – it’s her.
Here’s England’s route to World Cup glory.
Quater-finals
England vs Colombia (Sat 12 August/11:30)
Semi-finals
England vs Australia/France (Wed 16 August/ 11:00)
Finals
England vs Japan/Spain/Sweden or the Netherlands (Sun 20 August/ 11:00)
