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Horse Racing England vs Australia Bet Builder Tips and Player Props
The European champions England are up against co-hosts Australia in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 16th August at 12:00 CET in Sydney. After the dust settles on Wednesday, one team will have qualified for their maiden World Cup final.
To whet one’s appetite, we’ve got England vs Australia bet builder tips and player props to accompany the upcoming seismic clash. Not only that, but you can catch a similar match preview for Spain vs Sweden on the bettingexpert site here.
Bet Builder odds: 6.50
Women’s World Cup, August 15th, 11:00 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 14:13, DATE YEAR. Odds may now differ.
England vs Australia: The Lowdown
The rivalry continues on the football field after a summer of great cricketing action in the Ashes. England against Australia in a FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals. Australia were responsible for England’s only loss under manager Sarina Weigman when the two sides met in April this year. Tony Gustavsson also came out on top against Weigman in the last edition’s final, albeit the former was an assistant.
Again, it will be a high-octane, high-drama and high-stakes matchup between the two managers.
England has discovered a newfound stability following a formation change in the last group stage. Sarina Weigman is looking to create history by reaching back-to-back World Cup finals with two different nations while being European champions.
The Lionesses have overcome different challenges in each of their knockout stage games. Their performances have been professional, to say the least. They have shown maturity to deal with the injuries and the suspension of Lauren James.
The added solidity at the back following a switch to a back three is also clearly evident in the numbers. England have conceded more than 1.0xG in a game just once in the tournament.
Alex Greenwood has been a massive reason for the defensive solidity of the Lionesses. Playing as the left-sided wide centre-back, the Man City defender has provided the passing outlet and defensive steel. She has recorded the most touches (579) of any player at the World Cup.
Aussies feeding off home advantage
Australia is coming into this on the back of an epic quarter-final against France. The goalless tie was decided by the longest-ever penalty shootout at a World Cup, where 20 players took penalties. The Matildas have become the first host nation to reach the semi-finals since 2003.
So far, Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord has been the main threat to the Matildas at the tournament. The 28-year-old has stepped up in Sam Kerr’s absence and scored and created important goals. She leads the way with three direct goal contributions (1 goal and 2 assists) in the competition.
Foord is a menace with her ball carrying into the box. She consistently attacks the backline and creates opportunities for her teammates. Only Katrina Gorry (18) has recorded more shot-creating actions than the Arsenal forward (14).
With a potential return of Sam Kerr in the lineup, Gustavsson will finally have his plan A available. The Chelsea striker, who has scored loads against Mary Earps in the league, will be up against one of the best defences.
England vs Australia Stats: Aussies hoping for a repeat
- Australia are the only side to beat England under the tutelage of Sarina Weigman
- Caitlin Foord has been directly involved in three goals, the most of any Australian player.
- Mary Fowler hit a head-turning seven shots against France.
- Alessia Russo has recorded the most shots (17) and most shots on target (11) for England at the tournament.
England vs Australia Bet Builder Tips
Mary Fowler Over 1.5 Shots
Australian youngster, Mary Fowler, has been one of the best young players at the tournament. The Man City forward was the most threatening presence for the Tillies against France.
Fowler recorded the most shots (7) and had the most shot-creating actions (6) of any Australian player – perform similarly and this may prove a wise choice.
Alessia Russo Over 2.5 shots
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo is finding form and goals at the right time for the Lionesses. She scored the winner in the quarter-final tie against Colombia and recorded the most shots (3). Operating as a duo up front with Lauren Hemp, Russo does a lot of the heavy lifting with her link-up play.
Let’s hope it is something that continues deep into the tournament, ticking off Over 2.5 Shots on the way here.
England Win
Finally, England to win in 90 minutes is the last pick. On paper, England have the better side and face an Australia backline which doesn’t breed confidence at times.
It’s a bit of a risky selection considering the magnitude of the game coupled with home advantage and the will of the crowd, but at 2.30 it feels like a big price to get on side.
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