Australia vs England betting picks, predictions and preview: Women’s World Cup semi-final

The Matildas face England in the World Cup semi-final: can the Aussies cause an upset over the Poms?

The world is watching and Australia’s very own Matildas - with the weight of a nation’s hopes and dreams on their shoulders - will attempt to qualify for its first World Cup Final on Wednesday night in Sydney. Opposite them will be the English Lionesses. Read on for CODE Bet’s analysis of the betting odds, tips, picks and predictions for the Australia vs England Semi-Final clash.

AUSTRALIA: $3.50

DRAW: $3

ENGLAND: $2.30

(odds via bet365)

Stadium Australia, Wednesday, 8pm

AUSTRALIA vs ENGLAND WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL BETTING PREVIEW

This is the first ever World Cup meeting between Australia and England, but there is a recent history between the two, with the Matildas beating the Lionesses 2-0 in April.

Notably, that was the only defeat that England have had since Sarina Wiegman took over as coach (29 wins and 7 draws).

It’s a huge set up for both teams: the winner of this match will go on to play in its first ever World Cup final on Sunday.

Sam Kerr of Australia controls the ball. Picture: Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

DOES KERRR START OR SUB?

The biggest question for the Matildas is what to do with Sam Kerr: does she start, or are her minutes managed incase this game goes to extra time like the game against France on Saturday ?

Given how well Australia have played this tournament, it would be a bold choice from Tony Gustavsson to start Kerr.

But this is the best player in the world we are talking about.

Emily van Egmond looks to be the unlucky player if Kerr does start, as Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord have all been immense through the tournament.

Intriguingly, Kerr has a phenomenal record against English goalkeeper Mary Earps, with seven goals in seven games against the Lionesses shot stopper.

• Sam Kerr - anytime goal: $3.25 (via bet365)

England's forward #23 Alessia Russo celebrates with teammates. Picture: STEVE CHRISTO / AFP

WHERE DO THE ENGLISH GOALS COME FROM?

For England, it comes up against the best defensive team of the tournament so far. The brick wall known as Mackenzie Arnold has kept four clean sheets in five games.

England, outside of its dominant win against China, have struggled to find the back of the net throughout the tournament, with four goals in four games.

Alessia Russo only has one goal from 15 shots so far this tournament, which is down on her usual world class standard. The law of averages say she should get one into the back of the net sooner rather than later.

• Alessia Russo - anytime goal: $4 (via bet365)

WHO WINS

Anywhere else in the world, the lean would be to England.

But with 80,000 screaming Australians cheering the Matildas, it’s tough to not lean their way. Especially with the form Mary Fowler and the Matildas defence is in.

Considering the defensive prowess on both sides of the ball, the 90-min win-draw-win markets are a bit of a stay-away, but Australia to simply win the game - either in regulation, extra time or (pray for the hearts of an entire nation) on penalties - and qualify for the final offers the best value.

• THE PICK: AUSTRALIA TO QUALIFY, $2.10 (via bet365)

[all odds as of August 15]

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Originally published as Australia vs England betting picks, predictions and preview: Women’s World Cup semi-final