Women's World Cup 2023 Final: Spain vs England: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Both nations can clinch their maiden Women’s World Cup trophy

The FIFA Women’s World Cup has unfolded with astonishments, witnessed by the unexpected exits of powerhouses such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, and the host nation Australia, all stumbling just short of the ultimate prize. While these teams boasted formidable credentials on paper, the footballing narrative took an expected twist.

Following a thrilling journey spanning 28 days and 62 matches, England and Spain have auspiciously advanced to the grand finale. This historic moment marks the first ever occasion for both teams to grace the prestigious stage and finally win a trophy for their nation.

A little over a year ago, these two teams crossed paths on a significant global stage. Casting our minds back, football’s powerhouse nations met at England’s southern shores, precisely in Brighton, for a gripping encounter during the quarter-finals of the European Championship, Esther Gonzalez opened the scoring for Spain just before an hour mark, super sub Ella Toone equalized for the Lionesses and in the extra time Georgia Stanway’s effort sent England to the semi-finals and they went on to win the Euros.

There is an old saying in football, ‘Big teams have to win ugly even when they do not play well’. If that game is anything to go by, this match-up on the world’s biggest stage is set to be a show-stopping spectacle. In the final, even the most exceptional talents can waver under the weight of expectations. Frequently, teams adopt a measured strategy, prioritizing caution to avert early setbacks – a scenario that might indeed unfold in the impending final match.

Kick-off

Sunday, 20-08-2023, 6:00 am (ET); 3:30 pm (IST)

Stadium: Accor Stadium(Stadium Australia)

Spain Form (In FIFA Women’s World Cup): W- W- L- W- W-W

England Form (In FIFA Women’s World Cup): W- W- W- W- W-W

Player to watch

England: Alex Greenwood

Amidst this exhilarating journey, Alex Greenwood, a regular starter in England’s defensive ranks, has been orchestrating a sensational campaign that attests to her stature as one of the globe’s premier ball-playing center-backs. Her mastery over distributing the ball seamlessly serves as a catalyst, pushing her team’s offensive operations. She unleashes precision-guided aerial deliveries that unlock opportunities for the Lionesses’ frontline. The innovative five-at-the-back configuration embraced by England further amplifies her role as a midfield metronome.

Spain: Teresa Abelleira

A linchpin of the Real Madrid constellation, the Spaniard has emerged as a pivotal element within the finely tuned Spanish mechanism. Her adeptness at orchestrating match rhythms through impeccable distribution stands as a testament to her mastery. Notably skilled in engineering dangerous deliveries from the flanks into the heart of the box, she has emerged as the chief architect, having engineered an impressive count of 51 crosses – a statistic that eclipses all her compatriots in the Spanish contingent throughout the tournament.

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Match facts

• Japan handed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament in their Group Stage match against Spain, Japan scored 4 goals and kept a clean sheet against one of Europe’s best.
• Alessia Russo and Ella Toone’s are England’s goal-getting best friends, one of the biggest in women’s football are now on the verge of firing the Lionesses to glory. Both scored a goal apiece in the semi-final against the host nation Australia.
• The 19-year-old Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to score for the second game in a row to help Spain reach their first ever final.
• England and Spain have met 11 times prior to the World Cup Final, the Lionesses hold the advantage with six victories, the last coming just over a year ago. Spain have won just two, while three draws have been contested.

Injury and team news

The crucial news for England is that Lauren James is available for the final after she completed a two-game suspension for her sending off for stamping on Michelle Alozie during. The Chelsea star’s availability is a major boost for the Lionesses but also offers Wiegman something of a selection dilemma after they made it through the last two rounds without her.

Spain’s star player Alexia Putellas would usually pose the biggest threat. The 29-year-old Barcelona captain and two time back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner was questionable in this tournament due to an injury, but she started in the semi-finals against Sweden which is a positive sign for her and Spain heading into the final.

Head to Head

Total Matches- 11

England wins- 6

Spain wins- 2

Draws- 3

Predicted lineup for Spain vs England:

England predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Earps (GK); Greenwood, Bright (C), Carter; Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Bronze; Toone; Hemp, Russo

Spain predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Coll (GK); Camona, Codina, Paredes, Batlle; Putellas (C), Abelleira, Bonmatí; Caldentey, Jenni, Redondo

Match prediction

Both Spain and England have battled all sorts of situations to reach their first-ever final and now stand just one step away from writing their name in the golden pages of football’s history. On paper, both teams look equal, but England have the experience of winning silverware in recent history as they won the Euros, which could play an essential part and their win against Spain in the same tournament will give them a boost to repeat what happened in the Euros.

Prediction: England 2-1 Spain

Telecast

India- FanCode

UK- BBC

US- FOX

Nigeria- AfroSport

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