England vs Nigeria – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is England vs Nigeria on and what time does it start? England vs Nigeria will take place on Monday 7th August, 2023 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is England vs Nigeria taking place? England vs Nigeria will take place at Lang Park in Brisbane, England.
Where can I get tickets for England vs Nigeria? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for England vs Nigeria
What channel is England vs Nigeria on in the UK? England vs Nigeria will be televised live on BBC One
Where can I stream England vs Nigeria in the UK? England vs Nigeria can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
THE LOWDOWN
ENGLAND
- European champions England head into the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in ominous form, having thrashed China 1-6 to make it a perfect three wins from three in Group D, with their only goal conceded being a penalty.
- Following injury to midfielder Keira Walsh, England boss Sarina Wiegman once again demonstrated her tactical flexibility, switching to a back three against China and when taking into account the result, it would be no surprise to see the same formation retained here.
NIGERIA
- Nigeria got the point they needed to guarantee their place in the Round of 16, playing out a 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland in the final round of group matches, meaning they ended the group stage unbeaten.
- The most positive aspect of the tournament so far from the Super Falcons’ perspective has to be that they have recorded two clean sheets in three and their backline, plus goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will need to be at their very best vs England.
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Stanway, James, Zelem, Daly; Russo, Hemp
UNAVAILABLE: Kirby (Injured), Mead (Injured), Walsh (Injured), Williamson (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
NIGERIA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ucheibe, Abiodun; Ajibade, Payne, Onumonu; Oshoala
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- These two nations are meeting for the fourth time. England won their only previous FIFA Women’s World Cup encounter 3-2 in the group stage in 1995. Nigeria were successful in their two most recent fixtures, both friendly matches, without conceding a goal (1-0 in 2002 and 3-0 in 2004).
- England have won nine of their last 11 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (W9 L2).
- England have scored in 16 successive FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, breaking the record for most consecutive matches with a goal which was set by Norway who scored in 15 matches in a row between 1991 and 1999.
- England are facing African opposition in the round of 16 for the second time in a row in the FIFA Women’s World Cup having won 3-0 against Cameroon at this stage of the tournament in 2019.
- England won their previous two FIFA Women’ World Cup round of 16 ties. W 2-1 v. Norway (2015) and W 3-0 v. Cameroon (2019).
- England have scored during the first half in each of their last eight FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- In reaching the round of 16, Nigeria became the first African team to complete a group stage campaign in the FIFA Women’s World Cup without losing a match.
- Nigeria’s only previous win in 14 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches against European opposition was a 2-0 victory against Denmark in 1999.
- Nigeria are facing European opposition in the round of 16 for the second time in a row having lost 3-0 to Germany at this stage of the competition in 2019.
THE PREDICTION
Nigeria won’t fear the challenge of facing such an impressive England outfit, especially when considering that they have already beaten Australia on their own patch and coming into this one as outsiders is likely to benefit Randy Waldrum’s side with less pressure on their shoulders. However, every obstacle thrown in front of the Lionesses’ so far in this tournament, whether it be injuries or the opposition, England have overcome it and look to be improving game-by-game. Ultimately, they are expected to have too much quality for Nigeria to contain over 90 minutes and the European Champions should be backed to book a quarter-final place for the sixth time in Women’s World Cup history.
TIP: ENGLAND TO WIN
