One of the finalists in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final was decided on Tuesday morning, as Spain reached its first final with a win over Sweden.
La Roja’s opponent in Sunday’s final will be decided Wednesday morning, when World cup co-host Australia meets England in a fascinating clash between the underdogs with the massive homefield advantage and the Sarina Wiegman-led England side that won last summer’s Women’s Euro final at Wembley.
In Gaming Today’s breakdown of Australia vs. England predictions, odds, and props, we analyze Sam Kerr and Australia’s chances of capitalizing on the rare opportunity to play a World Cup final at home.
Betting Odds for Wednesday’s Australia vs. England World Cup Match
Here are Australia vs. England betting lines available on top sports betting apps. The odds here reflect the three-way moneyline, where a bet on either team to win is a loss if the game is tied after 90 minutes. As of Tuesday morning, FanDuel offers the draw at +190.
SOCCER · Wed (8/16) @ 6:00 am ET
| England | at | Australia |
| Stadium Australia, Sydney, AU | ||
Australia Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
The best-known player for Australia is veteran Sam Kerr. The 29-year-old was twice named MVP of the NWSL during her stint with the Chicago Red Stars, and she’s won the FA Women’s Super League three times since joining Chelsea in 2020.
Kerr, though, has been limited to two appearances for Australia in this tournament as she recovers from a calf injury. She made a 16-minute cameo in her team’s 2-0 win over Denmark in the Round of 16, then played 66 minutes as Australia upset France on PKs in the quarters. Matildas coach Tony Gustavasson said this week that Kerr is available for the England match, but did not specify whether she’ll start or come off the bench.
Australia reached the semis by winning Group B with a record of 2-0-1 before beating Denmark and France in knockout play. Defense has been the key to the Matilda’s success, as they’ve recorded four clean sheets in five matches thanks to strong play from the back line of Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie, Carpenter, and Clare Hunt, as well as some timely saves from keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The latter was the star of the win over France, with three saves in the game-deciding penalty shootout. She appeared to stop a fourth, but that was taken away when officials ruled she moved off her line early.
The Aussies, who have scored nine goals in five matches, have been led offensively by midfielder Hayley Raso (three goals) and Catley (two goals). The Matildas have been content to play on the counter in their last three matches, possessing the ball for 50% or less of each of their last three matches. England, on the other hand, have dominated possession all World Cup, with more than 70% throughout group play, 56% against Nigeria, and 60% against Colombia.
Injuries
Kerr will play, though she’ll likely come off the bench. Gustavsson said that everyone on his roster will be available, including Kyah Simon. The 32-year-old has yet to play in this tournament.
England Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
England have been among the top contenders since before the Women’s World Cup kicked off, and they’ve been the betting favorite since USA were eliminated in the Round of 16. With arguably the best manager in women’s soccer in Sarina Wiegman and the core of the team that won the Women’s Euro a year ago, the Lionesses enter the semifinal hoping to raise their second major trophy in as many years.
Wiegman and England traveled to Australia/New Zealand without several key players who suffered injuries earlier this year, including center back (and team captain) Leah Williamson, forward Beth Mead, and midfielder Fran Kirby. All three started England’s 2-1 win in extra time over Germany in the Euro 2022 final.
Still, this roster features seven players who started in the win over Germany: keeper Mary Earps, wing backs Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly, center back Millie Bright, midfielders Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, and forward Lauren Hemp. Walsh won player of the match for her performance in that final, while Ella Toone and Chloey Kelly – both of whom scored as subs – have once again contributed off the bench at this World Cup.
England’s experienced roster has not had an easy run through this tournament, though, aside from a 6-1 win over China to wrap up group play. Nigeria took England to PKs in the Round of 16 after neither team scored in 120-plus minutes of action, and England briefly trailed Colombia in the first half of their quarterfinal match-up before Alessia Russo scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute.
This team has struggled to score outside of the China match, but has been the best defensive side Down Under, with just two goals allowed in five matches (including one during the rout of China). England’s 10 goals have come from six players, with breakout 21-year-old star Lauren James leading the way with three.
James will miss the Australia match after being suspended for stepping on a Nigeria player late in that match. The 21-year-old, whose older brother Reece starts at right back for Chelsea, would be eligible to play in the final if England can beat Australia. Toone started in James’ place against Colombia and will likely get the nod there against the Matildas.
Injuries
England are without several important pieces, from Kirby, Mead, and Williamson’s absences due to injury to James’ due to suspension. The Lionesses also appeared to lose Daly late in the Colombia match, but Wiegman said this week that she expects to have Daly for the Australia match.
Australia vs. England Props
Below is a sampling of betting props for Australia vs. England:
Anytime Goalscorer (FanDuel)
- Alessia Russo: +250
- Sam Kerr: +260
- Rachel Daly: +270
- Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp: +340
- Mary Fowler: +360
- Caitlin Foord: +390
- Hayley Raso: +550
Correct Score (FanDuel)
- Australia 1-0: +700
- Australia 2-0: +1600
- Australia 2-1: +1200
- England 1-0: +550
- England 2-0: +1000
- England 2-1: +950
- 0-0: +550
- 1-1: +490
Total Goal Props (FanDuel)
- Over 0.5 goals -900, Under 0.5 goals: +500
- Over 1.5 goals -200, Under 1.5 goals: +150
- Over 2.5 goals +162, Under 2.5 goals: -225
- Over 3.5 goals +400, Under 3.5 goals: -700
Australia vs. England Prediction: Australia 0, England 1
It’s more than a little tempting to pick the home side here. Australia are good enough defensively to limit – if not shut out – England, especially if they get another big performance from Arnold.
At some point, though, they’re going to have to score on the one back line that has been ever better than theirs, and I like England’s veteran back line’s chances of preventing that from happening. Expect a close match, but ultimately, I don’t think Australia will knock off an England side with this much proven talent and depth.
Here are a few bets available at DraftKings that are worth checking out:
- Both Teams To Score — Yes (+105)
- Parlay: Both Teams To Score No Draw (+235)
- Over 2.5 Goals (+145)
Australia vs. England Broadcast Info: Where to Watch
- Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16, 6 a.m. ET
- Location: Stadium Australia
Watch this match at one of the following:
- Fox
- Peacock Premium
- Fubo
- DirecTV Stream
- Sling Blue
- Sling Latino
- Telemundo
- Universo
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