England take on Australia at the Gtech Community Stadium this evening and manager Sarina Wiegman could make a number of changes to the starting line-up that faced Brazil last week
England will take the next step in their World Cup preparations this evening (Tuesday) when they welcome Australia to the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford at 7:45pm.
England are still unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman and will hope to continue that form as they head into the World Cup this summer. They expect to be challenged again against tournament co-hosts Australia tonight and the Lionesses boss could ring in the changes as she looks to get a closer look at the squad. Here's what our writers expect to see this evening...
Rachel Daly to start up front
Hannah Pinnock: Most of this current England team picks itself, but some places still remain up for grabs and Wiegman may take the opportunity to rotate against Australia this evening. Mary Earps, however, is a mainstay and it's unlikely she'll be dropped for this fixture.
In defence, changes will be forced following Alex Greenwood's withdrawal from the camp through injury. Lucy Bronze will likely keep her place at right-back, but it could be an opportunity for Niamh Charles to get some game time on the opposite flank.
In the centre, Leah Williamson will have a new defensive partner and it could be an opportunity for her Arsenal teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy after she was initially left out of the squad. I expect the midfield to be largely unchanged, with Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway going again, but Laura Coombs could also be awarded some minutes.
It will be interesting to see some changes up front, Chloe Kelly could come in for Lauren James, while Rachel Daly could get the nod ahead of Alessia Russo. Katie Robinson could also be given another opportunity after she replaced Lauren Hemp late on against Brazil.
My team (4-3-3): Earps; Charles, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Coombs; Kelly, Daly, Robinson
Daly to start left back
Louise Wilkes: In the England pre-match press conference, Sarina Wiegman eluded that she does not plan on making many changes in the starting line-up. She believes the Matildas will peresent a tough challenge, peppered with prolific top-tier talent in Chelsea's Sam Kerr and Man City's Halyey Raso, Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy, plus Arsenal's Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley to name a few.
While she has solidified herself as a striker, I just want to see Rachel Daly on the field and I think, perhaps, her defensive game could benefit the Lionesses tonight. She's too big a talent to be left on the bench.
My team (4-2-3-1): Earps; Bronze, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Daly; Walsh, Stanway; James, Toone, Kelly, Russo