England meet Colombia in the concluding Quarter-Final of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Victory would see England qualify for a third consecutive Women’s World Cup semi-final, whilst Colombia will look to extend their fairytale run and reach a maiden semi-final in this competition.
Team News
Lauren James is suspended for England as she starts a two-match ban following her red card against Nigeria, after she stamped on Michelle Alozie in the closing minutes of the second half before the Lionesses eventually prevailed on penalties.
Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp are all just one booking away from potentially missing the semi-finals, should England advance beyond this stage.
Colombia have no fresh injury concerns to report after beating Jamaica but Manuela Vanegas could return after she missed their win over Jamaica through suspension.
Catalina Perez, Diana Ospina, Lorena Bedoya and Carolina Arias are all just one booking away from missing the semi-final, should Colombia win this tie.
When is Kick-Off?
England face Colombia at Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia, at 11:30am UK Time on Saturday 12 August, live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- England won their only previous meeting against Colombia at a Women’s World Cup (W1), winning 2-1 in their final group match at 2015 Women’s World Cup.
- Colombia are facing England for only the second time in their history in women’s football, with both meetings having come at a Women’s World Cup.
- Alex Greenwood and Jordan Nobbs are the only England players from their win over Colombia in 2015 to feature in the current squad.
- England have conceded just one goal in four matches at this tournament.
- Four of Colombia’s five goals at this Women’s World Cup have been scored by Catalina Usme and Linda Caicedo, who have both scored two goals each.
Prediction
Since England beat Colombia in their only previous Women’s World Cup meeting in 2015, the women’s game has come a long way so there rightly will be a sense of trepidation amongst both fans coming to this fans given the respective journeys of their nations.
England might be reigning European champions but they were seriously poor against Nigeria with a lack of attacking creativity, yet their defensive gutiness and penalties scraped them through but that performance has to be a springboard to deliver a reaction now.
Colombia meanwhile certainly found themselves in an extremely physical encounter against Jamaica but are defensively disciplined and well-organised, although they were lucky that a small clinically-punished error in Jamaica’s defence allowed them to avoid extra-time.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses though do have the depth and quality needed to wrestle their way out of trouble as seen at times this tournament, although this will be their toughest test yet but they should have enough if can isolate Catalina Usme and Linda Caicedo effectively.
Prediction: England 2-1 Colombia
Result: England 2-1 Colombia
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