Australia vs England predictions: Women’s World Cup tips and odds

Our betting expert has three Australia vs England tips for the Women’s World Cup semi-final on Wednesday at Stadium Australia, Sydney (kick-off, 11am BST). Scroll down to see the analysis behind his selections.

Australia vs England betting tips

• Australia to qualify @ 6/5 with Sky Bet
• Bet builder – Australia to win, both teams to score and Sam Kerr to score @ 25/1 with Sky Bet

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Hosts can break English hearts

England have advanced to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals with the help of a favourable draw but their adventure could come to an end against co-hosts Australia in Sydney.

The Lionesses were crowned European champions last summer and have never lost a competitive game under their tactically astute head coach Sarina Wiegman.

But every tactician relies on their players to get the job done and Wiegman’s options are restricted by the absences of Euro 2022 captain Leah Williamson, who missed the tournament with a long-term knee injury, and Lauren James, who completes a two-game suspension.

England have had plenty of time to get used to the loss of Williamson, who suffered her injury in April, but they are less accustomed to managing without James, their star player in the group stage.

James remains England’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals and could yet have a further role to play. But her quality will be sorely missed against Australia, who are boosted by the improving fitness of their own star player, Sam Kerr.

Australia have had to be patient with Kerr, who missed the entire group stage and has been restricted to a pair of substitute appearances in the knockout rounds.

They looked an uncertain outfit in the early part of the tournament and were on the brink of elimination after a surprise 3-2 loss to Nigeria. But they hammered Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in their final group-stage match and have not looked back.

Tony Gustavsson’s side defeated England 2-0 in a London friendly four months ago. The semi-final promises to be closer but the Matildas will be urged on by a vocal home crowd and may have just enough to progress.

Australia vs England tip 1: Australia to qualify @ 6/5 with Sky Bet

Defences could be stretched

There have been more tight contests than were expected at the 2023 Women’s World Cup but the large Sydney crowd could be treated to an entertaining, high-scoring spectacle.

England and Australia have defended well and amassed respective clean sheet tallies of three and four.

But it would be fair to say that both teams are facing their biggest test. Australia showed vulnerability by conceding three goals to Nigeria. And while England’s attack is affected by James’s suspension, it is boosted by the growing confidence of forwards Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo, who were on target in the 2-1 quarter-final success over Colombia.

Australia needed penalties to overcome quarter-final opponents France after being held to a goalless draw. But they have scored nine goals in five matches and should threaten a lot more now that Kerr is reportedly ready to make her first start of the tournament.

There should be plenty of action in the penalty boxes and the chances of a high-scoring game are strong enough to warrant a wager on over 2.5 goals at 13/8.

Australia vs England tip 2: Over 2.5 goals @ 13/8 with Sky Bet

Classy Kerr can be match-winner

News of Kerr’s injury on the eve of the tournament was seen as a big blow to Australia’s chances but the Chelsea striker is approaching full fitness and she could make a big impact against England.

Kerr was brought on in the 55th minute of the quarter-final against France and got plenty of action with the game going to extra time and penalties.

She kept a cool head in the dramatic shootout, which Australia won 7-6, but will be hoping to make more of an impact in regulation time against England.

Kerr should pose a major threat to the Lionesses and an any-time bet on her to score is worth including in the match bet builder.

Australia vs England tip 3: Bet builder – Australia to win, both teams to score and Sam Kerr to score @ 25/1 with Sky Bet

Australia vs England odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.