Spain vs. England Prediction on August 20, 2023

Match info

English football national team defeated the tournament host Australia in the second semifinal of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday to advance to Sunday’s (August 20) championship match against a rival from the European continent Spain. We look into the match between two teams with stars in their heyday at each section of the pitch in Bookmaker Expert’s analysis of Spain vs. England forecasts and odds. The title face-off will start at 8 p.m. local time at Olympic Stadium in Sydney, New South Wales.

Meeting statistics

The fact that these two teams, after the USA (which we quickly learned wasn’t the same squad that captured the World Cup in 2015 and 2019), were considered the tournament’s top teams by online bookies with no deposit bonuses makes their appearance in the championship game seem appropriate. The starting odds for the game on Sunday had Spain as a small favorite (both for the moneyline and to win outright).

Both Spain and England entered this World Cup in less-than-ideal situations. The first one addressed problems that had arisen between the players and the Spanish federation (and head coach Jorge Vilda) over the previous year. On the flip side, England was required to replace three of its best players from the Euro-winning team of the prior year.

Spain needed extra time to defeat the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, and England’s Round of 16 match against Nigeria required penalty kicks. “La Roja“ and the “Lionesses“ were both put to the test in knockout play.

The current form of Spain

Olga Carmona’s game-winning goal off a corner kick in the 89th minute helped Spain advance to the championship after defeating Sweden 2-1 in the semifinals. With her goal, Carmona became the ninth Spaniard to rack up a goal at this World Cup. In six World Cup games, Spain has scored 17 goals, including 16 from their own players and one own goal. Every opponent La Roja has faced has had a clear disadvantage in possession (at a minimum, 60%), but it will be difficult to keep that up against England’s potent midfield.

Speaking of the midfield, Vilda will have his most difficult decision there after Alexia Putellas, a two-time winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin, made her first start of the elimination round against Sweden on Tuesday. After 57 minutes of play, in which she didn’t appear to be at full strength, Putellas left the match. Salma Paralluelo, a quick 19-year-old winger who took her position, gave Spain the lead in the 81st minute with a proficient finish through the penalty box “jam“. As a result, Paralluelo scored in back-to-back games, including the game-winning goal against the Netherlands in overtime. The former sprinter played against the Netherlands and Sweden from the bench, but she has made a compelling argument to start against England.

Vilda is currently struggling with who to deploy in the midfield in addition to the forward. Eight players have all started at least three games and had at least five appearances: Paralluelo, Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Teresa Abelleira, Mariona Caldentey, Jennifer Hermoso, Alba Redondo, and Esther González. The outcome of the game could depend on Vilda’s ability to determine one of the two to start against England in the championship game (while also determining whether Paralluelo will be more effective as a starter or a sub).

The current form of the England

Before the World Cup began, there was talk about how England would perform without its captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby, and Beth Mead, all of whom were injured during the team’s travel to Australia. However, since its opening match against Haiti, England has demonstrated its depth. They successfully completed group play, winning those games by a cumulative score of 8-1. The Lionesses defeated Colombia in the quarterfinals and host Australia in the semifinals with an outstanding performance in a “hostile“ environment in Sydney after being given a scare by Nigeria in their opening knockout match.

An impregnable back line that had given up just one significant goal in five games was England’s trump card in this tournament going into the semifinal matchup with Australia. “Matildas“ did score on Wednesday, but England demonstrated how dangerous its offense can be. On Wednesday, the Lionesses scored three goals, two of which came after Sam Kerr of Australia’s match-tying goal in the 63rd minute. The first half was controlled by England and its reaction after Australia tied the score at one and thrilled the home crowd demonstrated the worth of the experience they earned from winning last summer’s Euro. From Ella Toone’s pinpoint shot to give them the lead to Lauren Hemp’s wonderful drive and through-ball to Alessia Russo for the goal that made it 3-1 and basically ended the game in the 86th minute, England’s quality was on full show throughout Wednesday’s semifinal.

The idea that England’s attack would welcome back Lauren James, its most threatening player from group play, gives Spain anxiety. After receiving a red card late in the Nigeria game, the 21-year-old was unable to participate in her team’s quarterfinal and semifinal matches. Though she has only played 286 minutes overall, the 11th-fewest of the Lionesses, James still leads England in both goals (3) and assists (3) despite this.

While Vilda mulls over whether to start Putellas, Paralluelo, or both, Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of England, has to make an intriguing decision on James’ starting spot for the Lionesses.

Match analytics

Of all the World Cup games, this one seems to be the most difficult to predict, beyond the fact it’s the final. This matchup is made even more intriguing by the fact that both sides are competing in their first World Cup championship game.

A lot will depend on who can control the midfield better: Spain’s Aitana or England’s Keira Walsh, who have both dominated every encounter up to this time. The fact that both midfield groupings seem to be evenly matched presents a challenge for anyone attempting to wager on this game.

Both teams will have great players on their bench who they can use, but England has substitutes (Toone and Chloe Kelly) who scored in similar scenario at the pressure-filled Euro final at Wembley a year ago. Experience will ultimately give England a tiny advantage.

We’re not entirely sure the Lionesses will triumph in 90 minutes though so we predict their triumph after overtime. We suggest Winning method – 2 (England) overtime at odds of 13.00 on PlayFast Casino.

Results of the forecast

Forecast failed. Spain vs. England 1:0