Familiar foes: Four match-ups straight out of the WSL will determine who progresses to the World Cup final as England take on Australia
- England play Australia in the semis of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday
- The game will see four match ups take place between eight WSL team-mates
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 1 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Sarina Wiegman’s side are gearing up to take on Australia in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday.
Alessia Russo’s strike in the 63rd minute helped England defeat Colombia and saw the Lionesses advance to the next round of the competition.
Australia, meanwhile, had a much more dramatic route to Wednesday’s match, with the Matildas beating France 7-6 on penalties, to see Tony Gustavsson’s side book their place in their first semi-final at the Women’s World Cup.
Similarly, England could reach their first World Cup final should they beat Australia in Sydney, but the 2022 European Champions are set to come up against some very tough opposition and some of their club colleagues during the match.
Mail Sport’s KATHRYN BATTE brings you four of the familiar foes who are set to do battle in Wednesday’s semi-final.
England are preparing to take on Australia in Wednesday’s Women’s World Cup semi-final
Australia booked their place in the match beating France 7-6 on penalties while England defeated Colombia 2-1 on Saturday
Several familiar foes will go up against each other including Arsenal striker Alessia Russo (left) and West Ham goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (right)
Mackenzie Arnold v Alessia Russo (West Ham v Arsenal)
West Ham goalkeeper Arnold was the penalty shootout hero against France and has made a number of key saves throughout the tournament.
But the goalkeeper can sometimes be prone to errors which Russo may be able to take advantage of.
The forward should be feeling confident after scoring the winner against Colombia.
She will need to be clinical again to beat the Matildas’ No 1.
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Mary Fowler v Alex Greenwood (Manchester City v Manchester City)
Fowler has stepped up in the attacking areas in Sam Kerr’s absence and, although she spurned several chances against France, was by far Australia’s biggest goal threat.
Greenwood has arguably been England’s best player but the Aussies will look to stop her from playing through the lines.
Fowler will be key in the Matildas’ press, as well as looking to cause problems in attack.
Alanna Kennedy v Lauren Hemp (Manchester City v Manchester City)
Hemp has excelled since moving into a centre forward role alongside Russo and will know all about the weaknesses of her City team-mate Kennedy.
Hemp will beat Kennedy for speed, so the Aussies will try to sit back to limit the space in behind their defenders.
Kennedy is physically strong but will have to be at the top of her game to prevent Hemp from causing problems.
Mary Fowler (left) will go up against Man City colleague Alex Greenwood (right) in the game
Alanna Kennedy (left) will be in action and is likely to face Man City team-mate Lauren Hemp
Meanwhile, Chelsea duo Millie Bright (left) and Sam Kerr (right) are also set to take the field
Mail Sport has predicted Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up for the game with England opting for a 3-4-1-2 formation
Sam Kerr v Millie Bright (Chelsea v Chelsea)
Perhaps the biggest battle if Kerr is fit to start.
Bright was injured when Kerr scored in Australia’s 2-1 friendly victory in April and missed Team GB’s quarter-final at the Tokyo Olympics.
The England captain has been a rock at the back and will be key to keeping her Chelsea team-mate quiet.
Kerr is strong in the air but Bright will feel confident of winning the aerial duel. Kerr only needs one chance, so Bright cannot let her out of her sight.
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