Everything you need to know about England ahead of Australia match

England will head into their semi-final contest against Australia as the favourites, these are the players to keep an eye on for the game.

All eyes on Wednesday night will be locked in on the Matildas semi-final clash as they take on England for a place in the World Cup final.

Australia has rallied behind the Matildas with support more paramount than ever when they go up against the fourth ranked Lionesses who are the reigning European champions.

After overcoming fellow European giants France in a historic penalty shootout, the Matildas will head into the contest once again as the underdog.

England sit atop betting leaderboards to reign supreme and enter the Wednesday night clash with a near perfect record.

After going undefeated throughout the group stage, the Lionesses’ fell behind on the scoreboard for the first time in their quarterfinal contest when Colombia scored the opening goal.

They’ll head into the match without star Lauren James after a shocking brainfade in their Round of 16 clash with Nigeria that landed her a two-match suspension.

Here’s everything you need to know about Australia’s next World Cup opponent and the players to keep an eye on.

Lucy Bronze (L) is England’s most experienced player. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

England’s players and where they play

The Lionesses line-up in a 3-4-1-2 formation and were forced to make one change to their starting XI after James’ two-match ban. Ella Toone was thrust into the starting squad and lined up behind forwards Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (Manchester United).

Defenders: Jess Carter (Chelsea), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa).

Forwards: Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United).

Bench: Chloe Kelly (Man City), Bethany England (Tottenham), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Esme Morgan (Man City), Laura Coombs (Man City), Katie Zelem (Man United), Ellie Roebuck (Man City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albon).

England enter as favourites. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

England’s big stars to worry about

Millie Bright

The captain is not only one of the best defenders on the planet, she’s one of the best players on the planet.

Bright will have her hands full but there's arguably nobody better to handle the task at hand with the skipper knowing the ins and outs of Kerr.

The two are teammates at Chelsea and will more likely than not spend considerable time opposite one another.

Lucy Bronze

Bronze, like Bright, is one of the best players currently on the planet after both featured in the top 20 of last year’s Ballon d’Or Feminin.

The midfield battle is where the game on Wednesday night will be won and lost with the 31-year-old vital in their success.

As England’s most experienced player in the squad, Bronze will be the key to England reaching their first World Cup final.

Bright (L) and Chloe Kelly celebrate. (Photo by Brenton EDWARDS / AFP)

Mary Earps

Australia struggled to find the back of the net against France and will have an even tougher time against England.

Earps was voted the best goalkeeper on the planet at the FIFA awards last year with the 30-year-old only allowing two goals through five games.

Alessia Russo

The Matildas have kept three straight clean sheets, but their defensive unit was blown wide open during the group stages and has shown signs of vulnerability throughout the tournament.

Russo and attacking partner Lauren Hemp have combined to kick four goals so far in the World Cup.

The Arsenal striker produced a moment of magic in the second half of their quarterfinal encounter and slotted the match winning goal.

Bethany England

After missing out on England’s European success, England rediscovered her offensive prowess throughout the Premier League.

With 13 goals in 14 appearances for Tottenham, she’ll provide forward energy and will keep Australia’s defenders on their toes when her number is called.

Australia and England will face off on Wednesday, August 16 at 8pm (AEST) from Sydney's Stadium Australia.

Originally published as Everything you need to know about England ahead of Australia match