2023 World Cup final: England vs Spain – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
England will face Spain in a massive all-European 2023 Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
England booked their place in the final after defeating tournament co-hosts Australia 3-1 whilst Spain were able to beat Sweden 2-1 in the dying embers of their semi-final match.
Match Preview
Both teams have been exceptional throughout the tournament, with England growing steady in performance and maintaining a solid defence – they’ve only conceded three goals during the campaign so far. Spain have played some incredible football this tournament as well, but have suffered a few shocks including losing 4-0 to Japan, despite Japan only having 22% possession.
This’ll be a tight game but history is on England’s side – having won four of their last six games against Spain in all competitions.
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England preview
Ella Toone broke the deadlock with a brilliant strike to put England ahead, but just after the 60-minute mark, Sam Kerr’s wonder strike saw the Matildas draw equal.
But England, who never really looked phased by the large Australian support, continued to largely control the game and Lauren Hemp was able to profit off an Aussie mistake at the back to restore England’s lead. A third goal, in the 86th minute from Alessia Russo – thanks to an incredible pass by Hemp – saw any hopes Matilda fans had of taking the game to extra time, come crashing down.
England played their best game so far in this tournament against Australia and did so in hostile conditions. They were able to dig deep and survive a few late scares but at no point did the Lionesses look defeated.
They played with a real level of confidence, but they must continue to defend strongly against Spain.
Spain preview
Sunday’s game also marks Spain’s first Women’s World Cup final having defeated Sweden in the last-four clash on Tuesday.
Spain’s captain Olga Carmona popped up with a dramatic late winner for the team after Salma Paralluelo’s late goal had been cancelled out by Rebecka Blomqvist.
Spain have an incredibly exciting team with young attacking talent but are no stranger to conceding goals. They will remain physically tough and will likely have much of the possession, with England likely to play a game similar to Japan’s demolishing of Spain – heavy on the counterattack.
Date, kick-off time and venue
The Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England is scheduled for an 11 am BST kick-off on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
The match will take place at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Where to watch Spain vs England
TV channel: In the UK, the final will be televised live and free-to-air both on ITV and the BBC.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live and for free online via the ITV and BBC Sport websites, plus the iPlayer and ITVX app.
Spain vs England team news
We await to see what new knocks and injuries both sides may be carrying after two gruelling semi-final contests this week.
However, the crucial news for England is that Lauren James is available for the final after she completed a two-game suspension for her sending off for stamping on Michelle Alozie during the last-16 win over Nigeria.
The Chelsea star’s availability is a major boost for the Lionesses but also offers Wiegman something of a selection dilemma after they made it through the last two rounds without her.
WTX Sport predicts England 2-0 Spain
England have dealt with everything thrown at them this tournament and their strong defensive abilities and goalkeeper Mary Earps are such an important part of England’s style of play. Only two goals have been conceded from open play – and they were wonder strikes, whilst the third goal England has conceded has been from a penalty. England are also confident on penalties and have big-game experience. We’re hoping they can bring it home and do so in style.
