It’s easy to look back in hindsight and rehash predictions, yours truly is top of the class in this respect, but and Australia were always destined to meet in the Women’s semi-finals.
It was inevitable two of the biggest sporting rivals on the planet would lock horns in such an important match.
The summer of 2023 will be long remembered for duels between England and Australia after the most nerve-shredding, adrenaline-fuelled, intense and entertaining Ashes series in decades was followed by an absorbing Netball World Cup final between the two nations.
and England have a golden chance to build on their European Championship success last year by joining the Boys of ’66 in the history as World Cup winners.
It’s fair to say the Lionesses’ form on their journey to the last four has been patchy but maybe they are saving their best performances for a frantic finish.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were strong, powerful and resilient in the last-16 victory against Nigeria and displayed the character, heart and fight of, well, lionesses as they battled back from going a goal down to in the quarter-finals.
Australia have powered their way to the last four largely without star player Sam Kerr after she suffered a calf injury in training on the eve of the tournament, but she has made cameo appearances in the last two matches and England beware if she starts the semi-final.
The Matildas are in the last four for the first time after showing nerves of steel to defeat France in an absorbing penalty shoot-out, advancing after 20 spot-kicks, and will fancy their chances with a passionate home crowd roaring them on in Sydney.
But England can prevail in normal time at 11/8 with Betfred while Alessia Russo can break the deadlock at 3/1 with bet365.
It will be close, it will be nail-biting but a 2-1 victory at 10/1 with William Hill will set up a rousing Sunday cheering on the Lionesses in the Women’s World Cup final.
• Phil Foden is 15/2 with bet365 to open the scoring when Manchester City face Sevilla in the Super Cup and 12/5 to hit the net at any time. City are 11/4 with Betfair to win by more than two goals.
• Over 3.5 goals when QPR entertain Norwich in the Carabao Cup is 23/10 with Unibet and BetUK.
