Australia vs England Prediction: Both sides will settle for a full-time draw, with England scaling through

With one of the most unpredictable World Cup tournaments ever, co-hosts nation Australia will lock horns with England at the ANZ Stadium on Wednesday. The Matildas defied all odds to secure their first-ever semifinals ticket after knocking out the French team, while England head here following their remarkable comeback against Colombia.

FIFA Ranking: 4th

Last five games: WWWDW

England knocked out a resilient Colombia side after their hard-fought victory over the Super Falcons of Nigeria. The Lionesses will feature in their third consecutive semifinal and will be hopeful of securing the trophy for the first time ever.

The Lionesses scaled through a more organised Nigeria team to advance to the quarterfinals. The European champions showed steel and grit to remain in the game and won (4-2) on penalties. More recently, after conceding first against the Colombia side in the 44th minute, England equalised with the last kick before the break to keep their hope alive. Alesia Russo then gave the Lionesses the lead after threatening their opponent countless times to secure a (2-1) victory.

The Lionesses have huffed and puffed to advance to their third consecutive Women’s World Cup semifinals and must now do everything they can to secure the trophy.

Possible Starting Eleven: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly; Coombs, Stanway, Toone; Kelly, Nobbs, Russo.

FIFA Ranking: 10th

Last five matches: WLWWD

The host nation have had a fairly good side to contend with in this tournament until their recent encounter. Before now, they have faced Ireland (1-0), lost to Nigeria (2-3) and secured a comfortable (0-4) victory over Canada. In the quarterfinals, they scored in both halves to advance to the quarterfinals.

More recently, they went toe to toe with France and held them to a goalless draw before winning on (7-6) penalties.

The Matildas keep improving each game, and we expect another mouth-watering performance from them when they square off against England later this week.

Possible Starting Eleven: Arnold; Carpenter, Hunt, Kennedy, Catley; Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Foord; Kerr, Fowler.

Over their previous five meetings, both sides have won twice and a game ending in a share of the spoils. Four of their last five meetings were friendly games. The Lionesses remain unbeaten in this tournament and were fantastic against Colombia in the absence of Lauren James. England scored twice after missing a couple of chances to cancel Colombia’s lead, preventing the South Americans from taking the game to extra time. On the other, Australia’s goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, inspired her side to their first-ever semi-final after making several saves. Samantha Kerr was also influential in their victory after tormenting the France defence with her holdup play and strength.

Australia have significantly benefited from their phenomenal home support, but this will be their toughest test in the tournament. I feel the Lionesses have an edge over their opponent following their three consecutive semifinal over the years. However, with the return of Samantha Kerr for the Matildas, it’s looking like an even game, with both teams settling for a full-time draw for 3.10.

With the attacking options in both teams, we strongly believe both sides will get a goal apiece for 2.19.

England have had more easier games than their opponent in this competition even though they have played similar teams. It’ll be tough to decide who advances, but I’ll back the Lionesses to scale through just because of the quality and experience of their squad.

Good luck!