Women’s World Cup 2023: Australia vs England Odds and Match Preview

by Luke Andrews, 15 August 2023

Only three teams are left in a captivating tournament, the Women’s World Cup 2023. In this article, I’ll highlight the World Cup semi-final between two of the most impressive sides in the tournament as the co-host Australia battles out against the reigning European Champions, with both teams eager to book a place in the finals. We will review the betting odds for Australia vs England match in-depth, the key statistics, key players and all the essential details that could help you bet confidently.

The host Australia will have a fully packed stadium behind them as they face the outright favourites, England, in what will likely feel like a final before the final proper on Sunday. The match will likely be profitable for Women’s World Cup bookmakers as the tournament has been hugely popular with punters.

The Women’s World Cup semi-final is scheduled for Wednesday, 16th August, at 11:00 am GMT in the Stadium Australia, Sydney.

In what has been a captivating tournament that began with thirty-two nations, we have seen the great United States fall, and some outright favourites such as Germany, Brazil and Canada knocked out.

We will have a new Women’s World Cup winner as all the other former winners, Netherlands, Norway, and Japan, have all fallen, which means we will see a new Women’s World Cup champion. It will be a new chapter in the Matildas and the Lionesses rivalry in a sold-out arena. This phenomenon is close to a box office encounter and more exciting as most players are familiar with each other at the club level.

Tony Gustavsson’s side will feel they have the edge here especially building their confidence behind the boisterous home fans who have roared them through the tournament. Australia have been to six Women’s World Cup competitions, and this has been their best performance reaching the semi-finals as they hope to go further and contest in the finals. England has quailed for five World Cup editions and reached the semi-finals in the last two.

Their best performance was a third-place finish in the 2015 edition held in Canada.

Since Sarina Wiegman became the coach for the Lionesses in 2021, they have lost just once. Guess which team the defeat was by, of course, Australia. It’s an interesting dynamic that makes the semi-finals more intriguing, as the Matildas are the only side that has conquered England. The sides have played four games against each other, with England winning two against Australia’s one win with one draw between them.

Australia Women’s World Cup 2023 Results

Australia has been impressive in this edition, winning two and losing one of their group-stage matches.

The Matilda’s topped their group ahead of Nigeria, who they lost 3 – 2 against with their 1 – 0 triumph against Ireland and 4 – 0 victory against Canada, enough to send them to the knockout phase. In the round of sixteen, they beat Denmark 2 – 0 to book a place in the quarter-finals against France.

France proved a formidable opponent, with both sides failing to score in normal time and extra time to send the game to penalties, with Cortnee Vine scoring the winning kick to celebrate in front of thousands of home fans. The performances they have been putting its insane that Sam Kerr is yet to feature for a full ninety minutes or score a goal.

If Australia win the World Cup, they will join a very elite group that has won the cup after losing a Group Stage game.

Australia’s Tactics and Strengths and Weaknesses

The Matilda’s have appeared in every World Cup since the 1995 edition. The 2023 edition has been their best as they had never made it further than the quarter-finals stage; thus, playing in the semi-finals would be their biggest, evenly better playing at home. Tony Gustavsson has been the manager since 2020 and has revolutionised how the team plays. They have recorded some good results, 2 – 0 over England and a 3 – 2 victory against Spain have been their best results.

They typically use a 4-2-3-1 formation but have adopted the 4-4-2 during the World Cup. Recognising their limitations in ball possession, they don’t often retain the ball for extended periods. Instead, they capitalise on their counter-attack strength, leveraging the team’s speed to execute their offensive strategy. Their midfielders excel in delivering long passes to the attackers, a tactic that has proven effective in their gameplay.

Defensively they press high up the pitch with their strategy of sitting back, giving them defensive leverage against their opponents. Keeping four clean sheets in the five games they have played in the World Cup shows how solid they are heading to the semi-final. However, conceding twice in the only match they conceded a goal in the 3 – 2 defeat to Nigeria shows how vulnerable they can be when they venture more on the attack.

Hayley Raso

Raso is the current top scorer for Australia at the tournament. She has scored three goals, including a brace in their 4 – 0 win against Canada in the group stage that sent them to the top of the group. She plays for Manchester City women’s Women Super League in England and has started every game in the World Cup.

Sam Kerr

The Australian women’s team captain is also the most exceptional talent ever to play for the Matildas. She serves as a striker for Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League. Kerr holds the record as the top scorer for both the Australian national team and the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States. With sixty-seven appearances, she has netted fifty-four goals for her club. She has made one hundred and twelve appearances for the Australian team and scored sixty-three goals. She is widely regarded as the best striker globally. Although she hasn’t significantly impacted the current World Cup due to a recent injury, she is expected to be fit and ready for their upcoming crucial match.

.@stephcatley 🤝 @samkerr1

The story behind the © armband swap last night!#Matildas #TilitsDone #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/jKHK8oQIgf

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 8, 2023

Mary Fowler

Fowler has been a standout performer in the World Cup, contributing to three goals (scoring two and assisting one). She often makes an immediate impact, with all her goal contributions occurring in the first half, boosting her team’s performance early in the game. Fowler knows all about English football as Mary plays for Manchester City, who she joined last year. The 20-year-old has played 11 times for City, scoring once.

Injuries Affecting Australia

Sam Kerr began the tournament nursing a calf injury and was used minimally during the group stage. However, the captain has fully recovered, starting in the quarter-final victory over France. She is expected to start against England, aiming to score her first tournament goal.

England Women’s World Cup 2023 results

England has remained undefeated in the World Cup and emerged as a top contender, especially after the USA’s exit. While they’ve secured victories, not all their performances have been dominant, and they’ve narrowly won some matches. Their next challenge is against their arch-rivals, Australia, who enjoy home advantage.

Many of the English players are familiar with Australia’s stars, such as Sam Kerr, due to her stint at Chelsea.

England began their World Cup journey with 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark. They then delivered a commanding 6-1 victory against China. Their mettle was tested against a formidable Nigerian team, where they played with ten men in extra time after Lauren James received a red card in the 87th minute. Despite the setback, England triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shootout, advancing to the quarter-finals against Colombia. While the 2-1 win over Colombia wasn’t their most polished performance, it showcased their determination. The absence of James, one of their standout players, affected their offensive prowess, and she will continue to be sidelined in the semi-finals due to her two-match suspension.

England’s Tactics and Strengths and Weaknesses

Since their esteemed manager took the helm, the Lionesses have suffered only one defeat, highlighting their team’s impressive performance. They are known for their ball possession and relentless attacking approach throughout games. England strategically utilises their wide players to spread out the opponent’s defence, creating gaps for offensive opportunities.

They push many players forward, leaving two defenders to protect their goal most of the time but intensively press for the ball from up the pitch when they lose it as they fall back to defend. Sarina Wiegman has to navigate through the final two games without her captain; Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and James could be a colossal miss.

Their performance didn’t mirror their reputation as European Champions in their initial two matches, considering they had previously shown much more potent form in the tournament. However, they found their stride, particularly in the third game, where they netted six goals against China, rejuvenating their campaign.

They’ve transitioned from a 4-3-3 formation with a back four to a 3-4-1-2 setup featuring a back three. They’ve displayed composure in ball possession and have secured three clean sheets, allowing only two goals. Wiegman commands one of the most skilled teams in the World Cup, evident in their flexibility to switch formations. This tactical versatility will likely be their key advantage when facing other formidable opponents.

Millie Bright

The Lioness Park is fierce and highly talented; that’s mesmerising how well they have coped with some absentees. Millie Bright has been, in particular, inspirational, leading from the back as the pillar of the back three. Gearing up for a tough encounter of shutting down the impressive Austrian attack especially keeping quiet Sam Kerr, would be her most significant test. From her previous performances in the tournament, her performance in the semi-final could determine her side’s destiny.

Alessia Russo

Russo has shone brightly for England, particularly in the quarter-finals, where she registered the highest number of shots on target (eleven) in the entire World Cup tournament. She’s proven to be a talisman for the team; England emerged victorious in all ten games where she has featured. Hence, ensuring she scores might just be the key to their success.

This team always finds a way! Special night in Sydney! Next stop semi-finals 🦁❤️ pic.twitter.com/kmAEDZtFB5

— Alessia Russo (@alessiarusso7) August 12, 2023

Lauren Hemp

Hemp and Russo have established a formidable attacking partnership, driving the Lionesses forward even after an initial shaky start. The Manchester City forward has netted two goals, and the team will be relying on her to deliver once more, especially in a game where they might adopt a more conservative approach, leading to fewer scoring opportunities.

Injuries Affecting England

Captain Leah Williamson, despite her ACL injury, traveled with the team. Beth Mead, a 2022 Ballon d’Or nominee, also suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear. James will be unavailable due to her second-match suspension following a red card. In a crucial game where their top players are essential, the absence of these three will be a significant setback against the host country.

Australia v England – Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have a prime opportunity to clinch the title and emerge as the new World Cup champions. This match will be their first major challenge in the tournament, with Australia drawing strength from the enthusiastic Sydney audience.

At the same time, England is confident in their status as the European Champions. Australia is the only side to have beaten England in the Wiegman era speaks a lot of volume about the intensity and capability of both sides.

Tactically, the teams have distinct approaches. England is expected to maintain significant ball possession, controlling the game’s tempo with continuous offensive drives. Their usual strategy involves a three-player defensive line and an expansive attack to spread the opposing defence. Conversely, Australia boasts a more vigorous attack, and their swift counter-attacking style may lead them to allow England more ball possession. Sam Kerr, who hasn’t yet made a significant mark in this World Cup, could be pivotal in this match. Her performance might be the crucial element in challenging the formidable Lionesses.

Last 5 Meetings Between Australia & England

In their most recent match on 11th April 2023, Australia emerged victorious over England with a 2-0 scoreline in a friendly game, with Kerr marking the first goal.

A few years earlier, on 9th October 2018, the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw in another friendly, with Kirby F opening the scoring for England. England had previously defeated Australia 1-0 in a 2015 friendly, thanks to a goal from Christiansen.

However, in an International Tournament in March of the same year, England showcased a dominant performance, beating Australia 3-0, with Taylor being the early scorer. Going further back to 23rd June 2011, Australia managed to secure a 2-0 win against England in a friendly match, with McCallum netting the first goal.

Over these matches, both teams have demonstrated their prowess, with each securing two wins and sharing one draw.

Australia & England – The Best of Frenemies

England and Australia have a fascinating relationship, as the English government used to deport undesirables to Australia in the distant past.

Between 1788 and 1868, around 162,000 convicts from Britain and Ireland were transported to penal colonies in Australia. The British government chose Australia as a site due to overcrowding in British prisons and the need for an alternative to American colonies after the American Revolution. Convicts were sent to establish settlements like Sydney, New South Wales, and later Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and Queensland.

Despite speaking the same language and sharing the same monarchy, the English have not received the warmest of welcomes, as seen in the excellent TV series, Ten Pound Poms, which was aired on BBC One recently.

Australia–England sporting rivalry encompasses various sports dating back to 1868, sparked by historical events such as an insulting article in a British newspaper. The rivalry extends to cricket, rugby, tennis, and other sports, with intense competitions and significant events over the years.

🏏 The Ashes: The Test cricket series known as The Ashes is a key rivalry, beginning in 1884 after a mock obituary about English cricket’s death in The Sporting Times.

🏉 Rugby Union: The two nations have a history of rugby union clashes, including the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final, where England won in extra time.

🎾 Tennis: Australia and the British Isles (now UK) contested the 1907 Davis Cup final, and countrymen have also met in Grand Slam finals.

⚽ Association Football: Despite differing interest levels in football, Australia and England have developed a rivalry in matches, with notable clashes like Australia’s upset over England in April of this year.

🏊 Commonwealth Games: Australia and England have dominated the medal tally at the Commonwealth Games, with Australia holding the most gold medals.

🏏 Cricket’s Bodyline: The Bodyline tactic in cricket strained relations due to its aggressive nature, aimed at countering Australia’s Donald Bradman.

🎯 Other Sports: Rivalries extend to golf, mixed martial arts, and rugby league, with significant encounters and memorable moments.

🎉 Supporters: The Barmy Army represents English cricket fans, while Fanatics is an organised Australian support group for various sports.

So, while the countries have many cultural links, there is an intense sporting rivalry between the two nations.

Who Will the Winner of Australia v England Face in the Final?

Australia and England already know who they will face if they win their match, as the first semi-final took place on Tuesday morning.

In a thrilling match in Auckland, Spain defeated Sweden to secure their spot in their first Women’s World Cup final.

The dramatic conclusion saw Captain Olga Carmona netting the winning goal in the 89th minute, causing an eruption of joy among Spanish supporters at Eden Park. This victory came shortly after Sweden had managed to equalise through Rebecka Blomqvist, making it seem like the game would proceed to extra time.

Earlier in the match, 19-year-old substitute Salma Paralluelo had given Spain the lead with only 10 minutes left on the clock. Spain is now set to face either England or Australia in the final in Sydney on Sunday.

Spain’s win has seen them installed as favourites at the best UK betting sites. One of the top sites, bet365 has the Spanish at 4/5, ahead of England at 2/1 and Australia at 4/1.

However, it’s worth remembering that Spain is already in the final. If England wins against Australia, you can expect their odds to tumble, and they will likely be instilled as favourites. Therefore, if you fancy England to lift the trophy, you’ll get better odds today than tomorrow.

Australia v England – Betting Markets to Consider

Football betting is incredibly popular in the UK, especially when the national team is in action and there is likely to be a surge in betting leading up to kick-off.

In this last section, I’ll turn my attention to some of the betting markets to consider when betting on the Australia v England World Cup clash. One of the most popular markets is the forecast market, simply picking which team will win.

As you can see in the table above, England is the clear favourite with bookmakers with bet365 pricing the Lionesses at 6/4. The Matilda’s are 5/2, and the draw is available at 21/10.

“England are rightly favourites to win against Australia, but they have not been at their best in the last couple of games. It wouldn’t be a shock to see this game go to extra time, so the draw at 21/10 is worth considering.” – Luke Andrews, Betting Expert – UK Market.

Another market that attracts interest is the first goal scorer market.

Pre-tournament, I backed Sam Kerr to be the Golden Boot winner, but injury has prevented this from happening. I believe she will still impact this World Cup, so I’ll be backing her at 6/1. From an England point of view, Ella Toone is a name that stands out, and she seems good value at 9/1 to open the scoring.

Perhaps the greatest skill when football betting is predicting the exact score. Here are the latest odds for those who like betting on the correct scorelines.

With decent goal scorers in both teams, there are some very long odds available for a high scoring game. I’d love to see England win 5-3 @ 350/1, but I feel a 1-1 draw at 11/2 is much more likely.

The Women’s World Cup semi-final will kick off at 11 am UK time (BST) on Wednesday, 16 August, and will be played at the Stadium Australia, Sydney. Coverage is on BBC One and can also be streamed via iPlayer.