Spain vs England: Live stream, where to watch, team news and more | FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Final
Get the key details ahead of Spain against England in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
Final Sunday 20 August | Stadium Australia, Sydney / Wangal
Kick-off times
20:00 (Sydney) 11:00 (London) 12:00 (Madrid)
When: Sunday, August 20, 2023, 11:00 AM BST (12:00 PM CET, 10:00 AM IST)
Where: Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia
How to watch: The match will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK and on ESPN in the US.
Background
England and Spain will meet in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on Sunday. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament so far, and this is the first time either side has reached the final.
England are the defending champions of the UEFA Women's EURO, and they will be looking to complete a memorable double by winning the World Cup as well. They have had a strong tournament so far, topping their group with three wins from three, before overcoming Nigeria, Colombia, and Australia in the knockout rounds.
Spain are also unbeaten in the tournament, but they have had a more difficult route to the final. They lost to Japan in their opening group game, but they bounced back to win their next four matches. They defeated Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Sweden in the knockout rounds, with all three matches going to extra time.
Team news
The main decision facing England coach Sarina Wiegman revolves around whether to bring Chelsea forward Lauren James back into the starting line-up now that she is free from suspension. James impressed in the group-stage wins over Denmark and China, but she was well shackled by Nigeria before her red card. However, the way Spain play would appear more likely to afford James the space to pose problems if she is recalled to the team.
Ella Toone was brought back into the team in place of James for the Colombia game and after scoring the opening goal against Australia, she will be hoping to retain her place, especially with Wiegman having named the same starting XI for the last two matches.
Wiegman will also have to decide whether to stick with the wing-back system which has served England well since the change was made ahead of the China game.
Like Wiegman, Spain coach Jorge Vilda has a similar decision around whether to bring a player capable of causing panic in the opposition defence back into the starting line-up.
Teenage winger Salma Paralluelo started the opening four games of the tournament but was introduced to decisive effect as a substitute in the knockout-stage wins over the Netherlands and Sweden. Paralluelo scored the winner against the Netherlands and then broke the deadlock against Sweden, with her pace and direct running capable of putting England's defenders on the back foot.
Another key decision for Vilda will be whether to retain Alexia Putellas in the starting line-up. Putellas started the semi-final against Sweden before being replaced by Paralluelo.
Players to watch
Salma Paralluelo (Spain)
Whether Paralluelo starts the game or is introduced as a substitute, it feels highly likely that the Barcelona winger will have some sort of influence on the final. A club team-mate of England defender Lucy Bronze, it will be a fascinating battle if the two come up against each other in the final. If England stick with playing three central defenders, then Paralluelo's pace has the potential to exploit any gaps in the channel when Bronze ventures forward and she has already shown a clinical touch when presented with opportunities in front of goal.
Lauren Hemp (England)
Manchester City forward Hemp has grown into the tournament and her direct running and pace will keep Spain's defenders on their toes. Hemp scored the equaliser in the quarter-final against Colombia and then restored England's lead against Australia when her presence unsettled the Matildas' defence from Millie Bright's long pass before she showed composure to slot the ball past Mackenzie Arnold. With Spain likely to seek control of possession and showing vulnerabilities to counter-attacks, Hemp will have a key role to play for the Lionesses.
Prediction
This is a difficult match to call. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament and have shown great quality. England have the home advantage, but Spain have the better recent record against England. I think it will be a close game, but I'm backing England to win 2-1.
Quotes
Aitana Bonmati, Spain: "We’re in the World Cup final. The World Cup final. It’s unbelievable. It’s a very special moment. It’s an incredible feeling for all of us. Some of us are very lucky. We’ve won two Champions Leagues with Barcelona. We’ve played at Camp Nou many times. We have the record crowd – 9
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