Stats Breakdown: Sanderson analyses England vs Spain  - bettingexpert Expert Insights

Lianne Sanderson: “England will have to take their chances when they arrive and be clinical.”

Ahead of England’s World Cup Final clash against Spain, bettingexpert had the pleasure of catching up with former England footballer and broadcaster Lianne Sanderson. Sanderson had a stellar career playing for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Espanyol and Juventus. Sanderson was part of England’s World Cup squad in 2007 and 2015, earning a third-place medal in the latter.

She broke down. England will have to be clinical against a Spanish side that enjoys dominating possession. If England manages to beat Spain on Sunday, it would be back-to-back tournament glory for the Lionesses following on from their Euro triumph last summer.

In this article:

• Sanderson urges England to be clinical 
• Sanderson highlights Spain’s Paralluelo as a huge threat 
• Midfield battle will decide the final 
• Lauren James shouldn’t return to the starting lineup 
• Gamble Responsibly

Sanderson urges England to be clinical 

The England Lionesses can cement their place in history this Sunday when they take on Spain in the World Cup Final. It’s a mouthwatering tie that will almost certainly offer a spectacle of a game. Sanderson believes that whilst Spain may dominate the game possession-wise, England has the tools to hurt Spain if they’re clinical.

“It’s going to be completely different to the Euro’s last summer.” 

“This Spanish team is different from the one last summer, and they’ve got to the final.” 

“When adverse things happen in football, it can bring the players together, and this Spain team has got some of the best players in the world.” 

“This game is going to be great. Spain will probably possess the ball more than England will, and we saw that.” 

“England will have to take their chances when they arrive and be clinical.” 

Sanderson highlights Spain’s Paralluelo as a huge threat 

Spain’s start of the World Cup campaign saw them slump to a 4-0 loss to Japan, so not many would have seen them reach the World Cup final, especially with some of the off-the-field issues. However, they’ve proven their doubters wrong. Sanderson pinpoints Paralluelo as a key asset behind Spain’s push to reach the final and warns England of the threat she will pose. 

“The Spanish team has come a long way from that 4-0 loss to Japan.” 

“The best player in the world, Alexia Putellas, hasn’t had any impact on the games, so I think facing Spain can work in England’s favour.”

“It will be interesting to see if Alexia Putellas or Paralluelo starts as Paralluelo has come off the bench and scored two very important goals, so let’s see what the coach does.” 

“England have switched from a four at the back to a three, which can become a five, and England look so comfortable.” 

“The Lionesses have dealt with everything that’s been thrown at them.” 

Midfield battle will decide the final 

The return of Keira Walsh into the England midfield has been an interesting tactical move from Sarina Wiegman, considering the switch to a three-at-the-back system. Her partnership with Georgia Stanway will be crucial in stopping Spain’s dominant midfield. Sanderson also highlights Lauren Hemp’s partnership with Alessia Russo as a strike duo that could cause Spain issues.

“England have learned how to play without Keira Walsh.” 

“Keira Walsh will still be crucial vs Bonmatti in the central area.”

“It will be interesting to see if Georgia Stanway is a little bit deeper with regards to dealing with Bonmati.”

“Abelleira has been very good at orchestrating Spain as a team when they go forward, so the key battles will come in the midfield areas.” 

“If Paralluelo does start, it will ask different questions of Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright and Jess Carter because they did well against Sam Kerr, but she wasn’t 100% fit.” 

“Paralluelo is a great impact sub, but if she does start, she will cause England’s backline problems.” 

“Ona Battle at full back is brilliant and has been a massive player for Spain. Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo going up against Paredes can get the better of her, and being interchangeable will cause Spain problems.” 

Lauren James shouldn’t return to the starting lineup 

A key decision for Wiegman to make for the final will be whether to recall Lauren James to the starting line after her two-game suspension. In her place, Ella Toone has returned to form and scored a scorcher against The Matildas in the semi-final. James offers a creative flair that not many can compare to and has three goals and assists to her name. But would Weigman be right to change a team that has won and performed in the run to the final?

“It is a headache, but it’s something Wiegman would have prepared for.” 

“As soon as the two-game ban was confirmed, she was probably already thinking about the final and how Ella Toone will fit in.” 

“Toone has come alive, so Wiegman now has a headache. Before that, her performances weren’t great, and in that ten role, you have to have an impact.” 

“I don’t think Lauren James should start, and she’s one of my favourite players to watch.” 

“This team has done so well to get to the final in her absence, and I don’t think she’ll start.” “James has three goals and three assists which shows you how impactful she can be.”

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