Just one year on from their Euro 2022 triumph, England’s Lionesses are ready to go to war again in the Women’s World Cup. Sarina Wiegman and her squad are putting the final touches on their preparations for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where the weight of the nation will once again fall upon their shoulders.
Can England Beat The Best In The World?
England’s victory at the Euros showed that they can cut it at the level of the game, but things will be a little more difficult in Australia and New Zealand with the likes of the USA, Canada, and Brazil, ready to put them to the test.
USA are the current tournament favourites with Paddy Power football as the tournament grows closer, with the four-time winners being available at a price of 5/2. Team USA have won the last two tournaments and they continue to regularly unearth new top-class talent.
The Lionesses are second favourites in the Women’s World Cup 2023 odds at 7/2, whilst the likes of Spain (6/1), Germany (7/1), and host nation, Australia (10/1), are also popular amongst punters.
England have already shown that they have what it takes to get the better of the best that Europe has to offer, but taking on the likes of Team USA is a different story.
What The Lionesses Need To Be Victorious?
Simply put, the England women need to create the same closeness and team spirit as they possessed on home soil in the Euros. Playing at home and winning on live BBC television in major tournaments has always been a huge advantage when it comes to big international contests, and the Lionesses certainly made the most of it by capturing the imagination of the public en route to their historic win.
Obviously, not having home nation status, or having the backing of a rapturous crowd will take away slightly from the feeling in the camp, but the squad is full of professional players who should have no trouble rousing themselves for the challenges ahead down under.
Top Players Need To Perform
It may seem obvious, but England needs their key players to be at the top of their game if they are to beat the best that women’s football has to offer. So who are the Lionesses that need to roar the loudest?
Mary Earps
Having a top-class goalkeeper is always key when it comes to tournament football and England certainly have that in Man Utd’s Mary Earps.
Beth England
Another experienced player in the squad, the versatile, Beth England, can play in a number of positions but is known as a prolific goalscorer. She has vast experience on the big stages and she will be a big help to the younger members of the squad that are heading to Australia and New Zealand.
Lucy Bronze
Another versatile player who has made the right-back position her own in recent years is, Lucy Bronze. The experienced defender is key to the way the team plays, and she will have a big say on how England perform at the World Cup.
