2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup – England vs Sweden Prediction & Preview
THE FACTS
When is England vs Sweden taking place? Saturday 6th July 2019 – 16:00 (UK)
Where is England vs Sweden taking place? Allianz Riviera, Nice
What television channel is England vs Sweden on? BBC One
Where can I stream England vs Sweden? UK users can stream this match via BBC iPlayer
Where can I get tickets for England vs Sweden? https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/organisation/ticketing/
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England suffered heartbreak as they were knocked out of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup despite a brilliant effort against reigning world champions USA in their semi-final contest.
- The USA took an early lead but the Lionesses hit straight back through Ellen White before some sloppy defending saw them go behind once again with England wasting a glorious chance to level on 84 minutes as Steph Houghton’s penalty was saved.
- There could have been some temptation from Phil Neville to rotate his squad to give some game-time to those who have not featured much but with the England coach intent on his side finishing third, any changes are expected to be minimal.
SWEDEN
- Sweden pushed European champions Netherlands all the way but succumbed to defeat in extra-time as their bid to reach the Women’s World Cup came to an end at the final hurdle.
- With the goals scoreless after a tense opening 90 minutes, the Netherlands went ahead nine minutes into the additional 30 minutes and Sweden were unable to hit back in what was their fourth Women’s World Cup semi-final.
- Whilst a second final proved elusive for the Swedes, they can still go out on a high with a win over England but must overcome the mentally draining defeat to the Netherlands with some rotation expected following the gruelling contest.
THE PREDICTION
England and Sweden meet in the third/fourth place play-off of the Women’s World Cup as both teams attempt to end their campaigns on a high. They have both enjoyed solid tournaments and pushed their semi-final opponents all the way but just fell short. Sweden would have fancied their chances of overcoming England but the shorter turnaround as well as playing an extra 30 minutes could have a big impact here and that could see the Lionesses claim the win to equal their third-placed finish in the 2015 tournament.
