England vs. Australia in the semifinals is one of the most anticipated matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
England are making their third consecutive appearance in the semis after suffering 2-1 losses to Japan in 2015 and the United States in 2019.
The host country, Australia qualified for the semifinals for the first time in their history, after beating France on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Kickoff at Stadium Australia in Sydney is set for 6 a.m. ET. England are the favorites and the Australians are the underdogs.
The English entered the tournament without offensive star Beth Mead, who recorded 13 goals and 14 assists over 10 matches during World Cup qualifying, due to an ACL injury.
England would also be missing Lauren James who is serving a two-game-ban after stamping Michelle Alozie during the round-of-16 match against Nigeria.
The Australians have played well defensively in the competition, posting clean sheets in four of their five contests – including each of the last three. Sam Kerr is recovering fast and she may be starting for her team against England.
Winger Caitlin Foord has registered a goal and two assists, while also converting in the penalty shootout against France in the quarterfinals.
