20 August 2023 , 08:33
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Lauren James starts on the bench for England’s Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
Manager has named an unchanged starting XI from her side’s 3-1 semi-final victory over Australia despite James’ availability after serving her two-game suspension. Ella Toone instead retains her place in the No 10 berth following an impressive display against Australia in the semi-finals.
Rachel Daly is once again deployed at left wing-back as the double striking force of Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo continues to reap dividends. Spain’s starting XI has also been named. Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has been consigned to the bench while influential youngster Salma Paralluelo received the nod to lead the line. Aitana Bonmatí will face Barcelona teammate and fellow midfielder Keira Walsh in midfield.
England coolly dispatched co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals to reach a first-ever World Cup final. and the first final for any senior England team since 1966. Spain required a dramatic injury-time winner to see off Sweden in their semi-final and secure their place in an historic World Cup final.
The Lionesses have employed a 3-5-2 formation since an unconvincing start to the group stages. The uncharacteristic shift in formation and personnel from Wiegman proved prescient as starlet James wreaked havoc against a despairing Chinese side in the tournament's final group stage match.
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James' two-game suspension following a moment of madness against Nigeria in the quarter-finals saw Toone utilised at the No 10 position. The Manchester United midfielder supplied the opener against Australia to punctuate a composed and slick performance that has earned her a start against Spain.
Across 38 matches under Wiegman, the Lionesses have succumbed to just one loss, a 2-0 friendly defeat against Australia earlier this year, while being crowned European champions, Finalissima champions and successive Arnold Clark Cup winners. And Wiegman's team are looking to extend their swelling trophy cabinet with the most coveted and elusive trophy of them all as they face Spain in the final match of the summer's campaign.
You can follow along for live updates and breaking news of the World Cup final via our live blog here.