England face their greatest take a look at of the Women’s World Cup but because the Lionesses tackle Nigeria within the last-16 in Brisbane.
It’s been a match of shocks and surprises up to now and Sarina Wiegman’s aspect shall be cautious of changing into one other, after the defending champions United States joined Germany, Canada and Brazil in exiting the competitors on Sunday.
But it means the match is opening up, with England amongst those that are trying like contenders in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses produced a superb efficiency to thrash China 6-1 final outing, so confidence is excessive among the many camp.
England might be boosted additional by the return of Keira Walsh, who has been handed match after making a exceptional restoration from being stretchered off in opposition to Denmark. Wiegman now should resolve whether or not to start out the midfielder, after her key formation change in opposition to China unlocked England’s finest efficiency of the World Cup up to now.
Nigeria are harmful opposition: led by star striker Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons surprised Australia and held Canada on their option to qualifying for the knockout phases.
Here’s every part it’s worthwhile to know forward of England vs Nigeria on the Women’s World Cup.
When is England vs Nigeria?
The match will kick off at 8:30am BST on Monday 7 August.
What TV channel is it on?
England’s first match of the knockout phases in opposition to Nigeria shall be proven on BBC One, with protection ranging from 8am. The match may even be accessible to look at on BBC iPlayer.
What is the England crew information?
Keira Walsh might make a surprising return for England’s last-16 Women’s World Cup conflict in opposition to Nigeria.
Walsh was carried off on a stretcher late within the first half of the Lionesses’ 28 July victory over Denmark, with fears that the influential midfielder’s match might be over, however scans revealed her knee harm was not as critical as first suspected.
The 26-year-old took one other step ahead in her restoration when she joined her team-mates in coaching on the Central Coast Stadium on the eve of their last-16 showdown, earlier than England flew to Brisbane forward of the knockout encounter.
England boss Sarina Wiegman mentioned: “She is doing well. She started her rehab straight after we knew what was going on.
“She has been on the pitch, she has been training today. Now we will wait until [we see] how she recovers from that training session and if she does well then she is available tomorrow.”
England midfielder Keira Walsh returned to coaching together with her 22 team-mates on Sunday morning
(PA Wire)
If Walsh does return, Wiegman may have selections to make after altering formations and switching to a 3-5-2 within the thrashing of China.
If Wiegman does follow the 3-5-2, Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly might keep at full-back, both aspect of a again three of Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood, with Mary Earps in aim.
Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp began as a entrance two in opposition to China and will hold their locations forward each discovering the scoresheet within the 6-1 win, whereas Lauren James is the primary identify on the teamsheet after her beautiful two-goal and three-assist show in opposition to China.
If Walsh returns, she is going to seemingly take the place of Katie Zelem in midfield, with Georgia Stanway impressing within the quantity six place in Walsh’s absence.
One factor Wiegman could think about is she has three gamers, Stanway, Hemp and Greenwood, who’re on yellow playing cards and would miss the quarter-final in the event that they decide up one other and England make it there. Yellow playing cards should not wiped till after the last-16.
What about Nigeria?
Asisat Oshola is match to start out for Nigeria in opposition to England after overcoming a knock that noticed the star striker begin matches on the bench earlier within the World Cup.
“She’s fit and ready to go,” mentioned head coach Randy Waldrum. “She’s ready to perform whatever we ask of her.
“She’s key, you saw her coming off the bench against Australia and saw how important she was.
“She’s a special striker with strength and speed and intelligence in her runs and movements, she’s a big piece of what we do and it’s good to have her fit.”