Women’s World Cup 2023: Expert predictions: England vs USA final
We’re only a few days away from the 2023 Women’s World Cup kicks off. This summer’s tournament is set to be the biggest and best yet – with more tickets than ever before being sold and a much narrower gap between the teams.
The USWNT remain the top favourites – but only by a thin margin, with EURO 2022 champions England, a close second and fellow European nations Spain, Germany and France rounding out the top 5 teams.
Australia – who are co-hosting with New Zealand, could also go far in the competition.
Pundits, ex-players and managers offered up their predictions to the BBC. Here’s what they had to say.
- Women’s World Cup 2023 team guides: England
- Women’s World Cup 2023 team guides: USA
- Women’s World Cup 2023 team guides: Germany
Kristine Lilly predicts a USA World Cup win
The former USA forward predicts a USA vs England final – with the US winning. If the US does win the 2023 World Cup it’ll be their third consecutive win.
Winners: USA
“I have to back my USA team to win. You look at the powerhouses that are always in the mix like Germany, England, France and Sweden [as threats]. If they have the mentality it could be interesting.
“Then you have teams like Brazil, who Pia Sundhage is coaching, and I’m anxious to see how they play. I always believe if they got more training and coaching behind them, they would be some team to really fear.
“I know there’s been some injuries but this is their time to shine. The mentality in the country and the support the women feel now I think is incredible.”
Kristine Lilly on England’s chances of winning
“I don’t know what’s going on with Spain as they had some issues, but they were great at the last World Cup. And the host countries have the home advantage.”
England prediction: Final
“England has a chance to win as well. I’m a huge Sarina Wiegman fan – I played with her in college for a year – and just what she’s done with the Netherlands and with England.
“I’m really anxious to see how she’ll do and the England team. I know there’s been some injuries but this is their time to shine. The mentality in the country and the support the women feel now I think is incredible.”
