Because the FIFA Ladies’s World Cup 2023 enters its second week, the Lionesses face Denmark of their essential second Group D conflict in Sydney on Friday.
On the heels of a nervy, underwhelming 1-0 opening win towards Haiti, England’s girls are below stress.
While the European champions are removed from in peril, hosts Australia’s shock defeat to Nigeria, could have left Sarina Wiegman just a little apprehensive.
Can England inject life into their marketing campaign or may the Danes spring a second upset in 24 hours?
A nation expects
For the Lionesses, nothing lower than a win towards the Danes will do.
With the likes of Brazil, Spain and Germany up to now romping – even when the US girls have been held by the Dutch – England now expects.
But, a group who scored 22 targets en-route to their well-known Wembley win nearly a yr to the day and one of many huge fancies, appear burdened.
Prepared for matchday! 😤 pic.twitter.com/p214WE3KLV
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2023
Failing to attain from open play towards a aspect ranked 53 on this planet, Saturday felt extra like an England males’s World Cup efficiency of outdated.
Certainly, the Lionesses might be in a extra perilous place, had Mary Earps not made a sensible save late on towards the Haitians.
In opposition to Denmark, the eyes of expectation are on the Lionesses; Wiegman is aware of it.
The Daly puzzler
Earlier than going through the Caribbean nation, many a column inch was dedicated to how England would arrange in assault.
Would the in-form transformed left-back aim machine, Rachel Daly begin up high?
May England’s golden woman Alessia Russo lead the road, with former tremendous sub Ella Toone in help?
It proved the latter, however the Lionesses’ roar was considerably muffled.
After Daly got here on with quarter-hour to play for Russo, the Aston Villa ahead was unable to get a foothold.
Spared sizeable opening day blushes by way of Georgia Stanway‘s spot-kick, critics will argue {that a} end result was all that mattered.
However, the Haiti wins left to be desired; England should rise up right here and Daly might be the reply.
Crimson and White peril
Denmark coach Lars Sondergaard is aware of simply how vital Friday’s recreation is.
“We hope we are able to spring a shock”
The phrases of an optimist?
Or, as many acquainted faces meet up on the pitch, does the 64-year-old veteran maintain real hopes of a seismic upset?
With each side locked on three factors, their assembly on the Sydney Soccer Stadium will seemingly decide the group winners.
The Danes, themselves wanted a Ninetieth-minute Amalie Vangsgaard effort to beat China in Perth.
No.13 on this planet, The Crimson and White are by some stretch the underdogs within the Australian capital, however will likely be no pushover.
Although England have gained each earlier encounters, as documented, lots of Denmark’s squad play within the WSL.
5 began towards the Chinese language, with West Ham livewire Emma Snerle ready within the wings.
With the expertise head of skipper Pernille More durable available, the Bayern ahead scored towards England in 2017.
Make no mistake, Denmark will likely be joyful to place home alliances apart and make issues very uncomfortable.
Danes an enormous value
On the face of it, England ought to have greater than sufficient to notch a second win.
However this isn’t the identical aspect from final yr.
Very similar to the Azzurri once they have been topped European kings, the Lionesses look shackled.
Enormous favourites for the win at 1/2 throughout the board, if, nonetheless, England labour as soon as extra, the Danish value may shorten as the sport evolves.
Subsequently, as unlikely because it sounds, a Denmark win at 6/1 with Betfred represents a great deal of worth.
Even the draw at 3/1 with 888sport doesn’t lack advantage.
