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The Lionesses reached the knockouts with 3 wins in 3. They trashed China 6-1 in their most recent outing and the English women look hungry for more as they chase their fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearance at World Cups. Nigeria are not a team that can be intimated though. Unbeaten in their last 6 internationals (W4 D2) and fresh off beating hosts Australia 3-2 in the group stage the Super Falcons are ready to pounce if given a chance. With the England women vs Nigeria clash fast approaching we give you the latest team news, as well as our predictions for England women vs Nigeria lineups.
The game is scheduled for Monday, August 07th. It will be played at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. The kick-off time is 08:30 am GMT.
England predicted lineup: Who can slow down James?
The Lionesses became one of only three teams to win all of their group-stage matches. They were sluggish in the first two of those. Got lucky to edge both Haiti and Denmark 1-0. The best display so far was undoubtedly in the 6-1 trashing of China. The James-led rout that finally displayed the true capabilities of the English women when they find their flow.
England boss Sarina Wiegman shifted from a 4-3-3 shape to 3-4-3 for the last game of the group. This worked a treat and the Lionesses are expected to stick to the same formation now.
The atmosphere in the Lionesses den, for this tournament is the 4-star Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Gold Coast, is positive despite the injury troubles:
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 24, 2023
Team news
The team’s main ball handler and key playmaker Keira Walsh was taken off injured during the second match and she sat out the win vs China. The Barcelona midfielder has returned to training prior to the last-16 tie though and she might be rushed back. Considering, that England’s 2 other main inner midfielders sustained serious injuries before the tournament and are not in Australia the Lionesses need Walsh fit and on the pitch.
One player that is guaranteed a starting role and has become England’s leader is Lauren James. She’s having an amazing debut at World Cups and has been directly involved in 6 of England’s 8 goals so far – 3 goals and 3 assists. Here is how we think the Lionesses lineup will look for the start of the knockouts.
England Predicted Lineups (3-4-3):
Earps – Carter, Bright, Greenwood – Bronze, Walsh, Stanway, Daly – James; Russo, Hemp
Nigeria predicted lineup: Will Oshoala strike again?
Nigeria came through from a group containing the fancied hosts Australia and the Olympic champions Canada. The Super Falcons went undefeated in the group and their 3-2 win vs Australia in round 2 showed the world that they are a team worth monitoring as on a good day they can compete against anyone.
Nigeria’s confidence is high as they are now undefeated in any of their last 6 internationals (W4 D2).
Team news
Barcelona’s striker Oshoala already netted 2 goals in the group stage. She scored the winner vs Australia coming off the bench. She could start up front now as the Nigerians believe her pace could hurt the relatively slow English defenders. Oshoala knows her opponents well too as she played for both Arsenal and Liverpool not that long ago.
Deborah Abiodun is an option again after serving her two-match ban. She might start on the bench though as her red card in the opening game vs Canada wasn’t well received by her manager.
Nigeria Predicted Lineups (4-2-3-1):
Nnadozie – Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre – Ucheibe, Ayinde – Ajibade, Payne, Kanu – Oshoala
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