England are playing in their first ever Women’s World Cup final on Sunday when they face Spain in Sydney, looking to become the first senior English team to win a World Cup in 57 years.
Following on from last summer’s Euro 2022 triumph, England are also hoping to become the the third team after Norway and Germany to simulteanously hold the World Cup and Euro trophies.
This is the last hurdle to immortality for Sarina Wiegman, who has won each of the two Euros titles and guided Netherlands to the last World Cup final but lost.
Lauren James is available for England after serving a suspension, but will she start?
READ THE LATEST LIONESSES WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023 NEWS HERE
GK: Mary Earps – There is every chance she retains her Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper title in 2023 as a potential World Cup winner.
CB: Jess Carter – Spain have a very fluid attack so she will need to be sharp, but the Chelsea defender keeps proving herself and is a great addition to the starting XI since last summer.
CB: Millie Bright – Potentially just 90 minutes from being the second Lionesses captain in as man years to lift a major international trophy.
CB: Alex Greenwood – Her ability to pass and keep possession will be a vital weapon if England are to stop Spain completely dominating the ball.
RM: Lucy Bronze – Almost 32, this is potentially her last World Cup game. Having won it all, she could even hang up her international boots straight after the tournament.
CM: Keira Walsh – Playing club football in Spain alongside some of those she will now be lining up against has the potential to give England some better insight into their opponent.
AM: Ella Toone – Deserves to keep her place ahead of the available again James. Came up big in the semi-final and has already scored against Spain in a major tournament knockot game.
CM: Georgia Stanway – Colossal against Colombia in the quarter-final in particular and her ability to break up play and make things uncomfortable for Spain will help England gain a foothold.
LM: Rachel Daly – Two conscutive tournaments not starting in her best position and yet she does it so well. Wing-backs are key to the whole system working.
ST: Alessia Russo – Not the best start to the World Cup when England weren’t regularly supplying her with chances, but two clinical goals in the last two games have been massively important.
ST: Lauren Hemp – Defenders don’t enjoy playing against the direct threat that she offers in the central postition and two goals from forced errors are testament to that.
WATCH THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL PREVIEW EDITION OF 90MIN TALKS
Rachel & Sophie from Girls On The Ball chat with Alex Ibaceta for this extra special episode of 90min Talks, discussing the semi-finals which saw The Lionesses beat hosts Australia and look ahead at the historic World Cup final. If you can’t see this embed, click here for the full video.
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