THE Lionesses are two wins away from lifting the Women's World Cup – but in order to do so England must conquer and dethrone the reigning world champions.
The USA are the current holders of this thriving competition and “the best team in the world” according to England boss Phil Neville and the bookmakers appear to share that view with a USA win available at 17/20 (Bet 365)
The English ladies are 10/3 (Bet 365) outsiders to win this encounter in normal time, whereas the draw that would force extra time and the possibility of penalty kicks is on offer at 5/2 (Bet 365)
The elevated odds on offer for a draw or an England win are enticing when you consider that Phil Neville's side have been flawless in reaching the final four with five wins out of five.
Furthermore, the Lionesses have impressively recorded four consecutive clean sheets, having not conceded a goal since their opening group game against rivals Scotland.
What's more England sit third in the Fifa Women's World Rankings and that along with their growing momentum demonstrates why they were among the market leaders to lift the trophy before the tournament got underway.
However, the USA will undoubtedly represent England's toughest test to date – they have remarkably lost only one of their last 44 matches in all competitions.
In doing so the Stars and Stripes have won their last 10 World Cup matches and an 11th success in Lyon against England would break the record set by Norway two decades ago.
Such astronomical form can be attributed to the star -studded squad at United States coach Jill Ellis's disposal.
The US have immense strength in depth and very few apparent weaknesses, not to mention they possess a formidable front three in the shape of Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.
Morgan and Rapinoe have both netted fives times in France thus far, with the former 13/5 (Bet 365) to fire in the opening goal of this semi-final whereas the latter is a lofty 6/1 (Bet 365) with the same firm.
However, England forward Ellen White is level with the US pair at the top of the goalscoring charts and looks overpriced at 8/1 (Bet 365) in the first goalscorer market.
White is ruthless in front of goal and having successfully tipped the England forward to find the net in previous rounds i'm going to do so again here and the 3/1 (Bet 365) on offer for White to score anytime is appealing.
An anytime goalscorer bet is a safer option in any match and even more so in a game such as this one where an abundance of attacking talent will be on display
England have scored 11 goals in their five outings thus far and during the same stretch of games at these finals the US have scored a record breaking 22 times.
The English backline may not have been breached since matchday one, however it will take a herculean effort to shut out the Stars and Stripes.
Yet, Neville has made it known he will attack and I expect England to trouble a USA side who have conceded in both of their knockout fixtures.
As such, I like the look of the 19/20 (Ladbrokes) on offer for Both Teams to Score.
In considering who will progress to the final – this is a tough one to call and something has to give, but don't be surprised if this semi-final goes the distance.
However, both sides have a lot of firepower and I suspect that goals could flow in France.
In the 10 games that these two sides have participated in at this years World Cup seven matches have seen over goals 2.5 scored.
Furthermore, these two heavyweights played out a 2-2 draw in the SheBelieves Cup back in March.
Therefore, another angle to consider in what should be a lively night in Lyon is backing Over 2.5 goals at 11/10 (Bet 365).
This Women's World Cup match between England and USA will be played on Jul 2, 2019 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best England vs USA prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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