The Women’s World Cup third place play-off takes place at the Allianz Riviera and the Lionesses look worth backing to make another fast start
England and Sweden will contest the Women’s World Cup third place play-off match on Saturday in Nice.
The Lionesses were edged out 2-1 by defending champions USA while Peter Gerhardsson’s side lost 1-0 to Netherlands after extra time.
Latest Odds
Ranked third in the latest FIFA rankings, England are William Hill’s 7/10 (1.70) favourites to win in normal time.
No side has lost more Women’s World Cup semi-final matches than Sweden. They are 3/1 (4.0) underdogs to bounce back with a victory here as they did in the last head-to-head meeting between the sides in November 2018. The draw is 27/10 (3.70).
The Lionesses came out on top at this stage of the competition four years ago, beating Germany 1-0 after extra time. A repeat of that is 9/1 (10.0) with William Hill.
Team News
Both teams could make changes and rotate their squads, especially Sweden given they played 120 minutes on Wednesday night and face a quick turnaround for this clash.
First choice goalkeeper Karen Bardsley missed England’s semi-final with a hamstring injury.
Ellen White is in contention for the Golden Boot, tied with USA’s Alex Morgan on six goals. Given those standings, it would be a surprise if Phil Neville didn’t name the 30-year-old in the starting line-up.
Should White find the net, she would become only the second player in Women’s World Cup history to score in six consecutive appearances and the first to do s in a single tournament.
Preview
Three of the last four Women’s World Cup third place play-off matches have seen both teams score. That is an 8/11 (1.73) chance this time around with over 2.5 goals priced at the same 8/11 (1.73) quote.
England have shown plenty of cutting edge and they look worthy favourites with an extra day’s rest compared to Sweden.
Neville’s side have often been quick out of the blocks and it’s reasonable to expect a repeat of that here. Such an angle could provide punters with a worthwhile selection in the myriad of side markets available with William Hill.
Prediction
Eight of England’s 11 goals in this competition have come in the first half and they should be the fresher team in Nice.
There’s 5/4 (2.25) available on the Lionesses to be ahead at the interval and that appears a worthwhile wager given their showings this summer.
Those seeking a bigger price should consider the 17/5 (4.40) on England to win both halves.
England to win the first half at 5/4 (2.25) for a 2pt stake with William Hill
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