England Women Ready to Roar Again Down Under
England’s Lionesses are ready to roar again Down Under as they prepare for their Women’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Colombia. The Lionesses, having scraped through against Nigeria on penalties in the Round of 16, will start the game as heavy favourites but Sarina Wiegman will be keen to guard against complacency amongst her squad of European champions.
The South Americans are very much the surprise package of this year’s tournament and have already got the better of one European powerhouse so far down under, having beaten Germany 2-1 in the group stage.
England will have to make do in Sydney without talismanic striker Laruen James, who was shown a straight red card for a stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the closing stages of normal time during Monday’s match. James will miss any subsequent semi-final but the Chelsea forward’s World Cup journey remains alive, with confirmation of a two-match ban meaning she would be available for a possible final in Sydney a week on Sunday.
Team Preparations
England have been busy applying the final touches to their preparations for the quarter-final clash against Colombia. Wiegman is determined to ensure that her players remain focused and motivated ahead of the match. The Lionesses have been training hard and are determined to put on a good show against their South American opponents.
The squad has been boosted by the return of captain Steph Houghton, who missed the last game due to injury. Houghton is expected to lead the team out onto the pitch and will be looking to inspire her teammates with her leadership and experience.
The Lionesses have also been boosted by the return of Chloe Kelly, who has been in excellent form in the tournament so far. Kelly has scored three goals and provided two assists in her five appearances so far and will be looking to add to her tally against Colombia.
Colombia
Colombia have been one of the surprise packages of this year’s tournament and have already caused an upset by beating Germany 2-1 in the group stage. The South Americans have been in impressive form throughout the tournament and will be looking to cause another upset when they take on England.
The Colombians have been led by captain Catalina Usme, who has been inspirational throughout the tournament. Usme has been at the heart of Colombia’s success and will be looking to lead her team to victory against England.
The Colombians have a number of talented players in their squad, including Yoreli Rincon, who scored the winning goal against Germany. Rincon is an experienced midfielder and will be looking to cause problems for England’s defence.
Conclusion
England will be looking to make it through to the semi-finals when they take on Colombia in Sydney. The Lionesses are heavy favourites but will need to be wary of complacency if they are to progress. Colombia have already caused an upset by beating Germany and will be looking to do the same against England. It promises to be an exciting match and one that could go either way. Follow Metro.co.uk’s live rolling coverage of the match as it happens…