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With Spain and Sweden having now confirmed their participation in the semifinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the spotlight now turns to England’s beloved Lionesses – as they strive to become the third team to progress.
The first day of quarterfinal action saw Spain require extra time to beat the Netherlands, with Salma Paralluelo’s late strike ultimately enough for la Roja. Against a Japanese side billed by many to be outside contenders for the trophy, Sweden proved to be utterly dominant – recording a comfortable win against the Nadeshiko, even after a late scare.
England topped Group D, winning all three of their matches – but it was a far from easy task for the Lionesses. Sarina Wiegman’s side limped to an uninspiring 1-0 win against an impressive Haiti side in their opening fixture, before losing Keira Walsh to injury in a slender win against Denmark. The goals finally arrived in the final contest against China, with Lauren James running the show in a six-goal demolition of the Steel Roses.
But a goalless draw against Nigeria in the round-of-sixteen saw Lauren James shown a straight red card for a stamp on Michelle Alozie – and that suspension has now been extended to a two-match ban for serious foul play. The Lionesses did eventually topple the Super Falcons, but required a penalty shootout to do so, and English fans will be less than convinced by the performance.
Las Cafeteras also topped their group, fending off competition from Morocco, Germany and South Korea to do so. As one of the best-supported sides at the tournament, Colombia kickstarted their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over South Korea – before recording a remarkable 2-1 victory against a lacklustre German side. Defeat in their final game against Morocco could have been dangerous for Nelson Abadía’s side, though Germany’s draw against South Korea ensured they would progress as group winners.
Colombia’s Women’s World Cup journey was destined to continue further than the round-of-sixteen, and las Cafeteras progressed to the quarterfinals with a slender win against Jamaica. Catalina Esme’s goal was the difference on that occasion, with the Reggae Girlz unable to provide a response.
These two sides last faced each other in Group F of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – and it was the Lionesses that emerged victorious on that occasion, with Karen Carney and Fara Williams clinching all three points for England, despite Lady Andrade’s late consolation goal.
With all the previous winners of the FIFA Women’s World Cup now eliminated, we’re guaranteed to see a new World Champion come August 20 – will it be one of these two great nations?
Team news
Lauren James will be absent for England, as she serves the first match of her two-game suspension. That could create space for Ella Toone to return to the starting lineup – but Chloe Kelly would arguably be better suited against this tough Colombian side.
Keira Walsh is likely to retain her place in midfield after a rapid return from injury.
Manuela Vanegas will return from suspension to reclaim her position as Colombia’s starting left-back.
Predicted lineups
ENG: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Stanway, Walsh, Daly; Kelly; Russo, Hemp
COL: Perez; C. Arias, Carabali, D. Arias, Guzman; Santos, Ospina, Bedoya; Ramirez, Caicedo, Usme
