England vs Australia team news and predicted line-ups ahead of Women’s World Cup semi-final
England meet Australia in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup as Sam Kerr’s fitness remains a key topic of conversation ahead of their clash at Stadium Australia.
Kerr is the face of the World Cup but is yet to start at the tournament after being suspended from Australia’s first three games with a calf injury.
The striker came off the bench in the round of 16 win over Denmark before playing 66 minutes as the Matildas beat France in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Kerr has said she is “ready to play” but Australia manager Tony Gustavsson said a decision would not be made until the evening before the game.
England manager Sarina Wiegman said there were more dangers than just Sam Kerr as the Lionesses look to reach the final of a Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
The winners meet Spain in Sunday’s final in Sydney after La Roja beat Sweden 2-1 in the other semi-final. Here’s everything you need to know as England take on Australia in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
When is England vs Australia?
The Women’s World Cup semi-finals begin at 11am UK time (BST) on Wednesday 16 August and will be played at the Australia Stadium in Sydney.
how can i see it
England v Australia will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting at 10am.
What’s new on the England team?
Lauren James remains unavailable as the striker is serving the second game of her two-game ban, although she is now free to play in either the final or the third-place play-offs, depending on England’s result against Australia.
The Lionesses have a full squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman maintained her 3-5-2 formation against Colombia and is unlikely to make any changes given the good performances from certain areas of the squad.
The back three of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood came out ahead of goalkeeper Mary Earps, while Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly will continue to function as full-backs.
Keira Walsh will start at the base of midfield with Georgia Stanway alongside her. The only area in the team where Wiegman could decide to make a move is Ella Toone’s position given the midfielder’s form, with her Manchester United team-mate Katie Zelem being an option.
Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp both scored against Colombia and are expected to take the lead, while Chloe Kelly and Beth England are the other attacking options on the bench.
What’s new on the Australian team?
Sam Kerr played 66 minutes in the penalty shoot-out win over Australia and is close to being fully fit, while Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson faces another crucial decision on whether or not to use his captain and star striker.
Gustavsson could choose to maintain his starting attack, with Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler leading the attacking line and Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso threatening from the wings.
Expected Lineups
England: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly; To a; Hemp, Russo
Australia: Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Catley; Fowler, VanEgmond
How did both teams reach the semifinals?
England (Winner Group D)
1-0 against Haiti
1-0 against Denmark
6-1 against China
0-0 v Nigeria (won 4-2 on penalties)
2-1 against Colombia
Australia (Winner Group B)
1-0 against Ireland
2-3 against Nigeria
4-0 against Canada
2-0 against Denmark
0-0 v France (won 7-6 on penalties)
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