Australia vs England World Cup Semifinals Betting Preview

We’re officially down to four teams left in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Tuesday brings an exciting semifinal clash between Spain and Sweden but all eyes Down Under will surely be on Wednesday’s affair between co-hosts Australia and England, who lock horns at Stadium Australia in Sydney. The kick-off is scheduled for 6 AM ET. The Matildas find themselves in the last four after knocking off France in the quarterfinals, while the Lionesses bested Colombia 2-1 on the weekend.

H2H History

There’s a healthy amount of history between Australia and England. They’ve met four times in total, with the Brits winning twice while the Aussies have one victory to show for. The other meeting ended level. The Matildas last faced England in April in a friendly, running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant.

Aussies Looking to Make History

Australia wasn’t given great chances to make it far in this tournament but they’ve certainly exceeded expectations. The Matildas finished top of their group with two wins and a defeat, hammering Canada 4-0 on matchday three to soar into the knockouts. The Round of 16 proved to be a convincing 2-0 victory over Denmark before coming up against a strong France group in the quarters.

Both sides had no shortage of chances but after 120 minutes, they still sat level. That resulted in penalties, where the Aussies ultimately won 7-6. Overall, Australia has played fantastic football in the World Cup and looks very capable of going all the way. The momentum behind them from the home fans every single game certainly helps, too.

While Tony Gustavsson’s squad has scored their fair share of goals, their backline is undoubtedly the strongest asset thus far, conceding just twice. Up top, Sam Kerr should be in line for her first start Wednesday after recovering from injury. If not, she will definitely be coming on as a second-half substitute. Regardless of being a slim underdog at most soccer betting sites, you cannot underestimate the Aussies here. 

England in Fine Form

The Lionesses haven’t missed a beat in the World Cup after winning the Euros last summer. They collected a perfect nine points from three games in the group stages, beating China, Denmark, and Haiti. In the process, England scored eight times and allowed just one goal. The knockout rounds haven’t been as smooth sailing, though.

Nigeria gave them a real scare in the Round of 16 and frankly should’ve scored, mustering up a ton of opportunities. Just before 90 minutes ended, Lauren James was handed a straight red card for foolishly standing on an opponent’s back and received a two-match ban. She can return for the final however which is huge because the Chelsea standout has been the star for England, scoring three and supplying three assists.

As for the quarterfinals, Colombia took the lead just before the half but Lauren Hemp equalized just minutes later. Alessia Russo ultimately bagged the winner in the 63rd minute, her second goal of the competition.

Sitting as a +130 favorite for the semis at 888sport, the Lionesses have a great chance of moving on, but it will certainly be a hostile environment Wednesday in Sydney. Expect this match to be an absolute battle.