Women’s World Cup 2023: Australia not ‘underdogs’ in England semi-final clash, says Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman

Australia are not the “underdogs” in their Women’s World Cup semi-final clash with England, according to Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman.

England go into Wednesday’s hotly anticipated encounter as many people’s favourites to advance to a first Women’s World Cup final, but Wiegman does not believe her side has an advantage.

“I don’t think Australia are the underdogs, they are playing at home and the stadium will be very full,” Wiegman said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“There are two teams that are very strong and have grown into the tournament, it’s going to be very tight and competitive.

“We approach the game as any other game, we prepare how we want to play and analyse our opponent really well so we can hopefully expose some weaknesses.”

Sam Kerr is expected to start on the bench after making a long-awaited appearance at the tournament – following her recovery from a calf injury – as a substitute in Australia’s 2-0 win over Denmark.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has hinted that she will be used off the bench in a bid to keep “consistency and chemistry” in the Australian side.

Wiegman does not think Australia’s chances at the World Cup rely on the Chelsea forward.

“Australia is not just Sam Kerr,” she said. “Yes, we have a plan.

“She can play and she can start on the bench, so that’s the situation.”

Wiegman has managed the Netherlands and England in home tournaments and will use her experience to counter the Matildas’ home advantage.

“We’ve practised a little bit because we played Colombia too and that felt like an away game, which actually inspired us,” she said. “Tomorrow there will be a bigger crowd from Australia.

“At the end, it’s a game. We want to play good football and we want to win the game. That’s mainly what we focus on.”

The Dutch manager has an almost faultless record as England boss, with her only loss coming in a 2-0 defeat to Australia in a friendly back in April.

Wiegman feels her England team can take positives from that game going into their last-four game.

“It gives us extra information,” Wiegman claimed. “Of course, there were other players on the pitch, a different game, a different situation – and it was a friendly.

“This is the world’s highest stage, it’s a semi-final. I think it’s exciting for everyone but we do have a lot of information from playing them in April, but also, of course, we have seen them and analysed them in all the games.

“I think we’re very well prepared and hopefully, that will be in our advantage.”

England have overcome injuries, red cards and penalty shoot-outs en route to the semi-final, and must face one last obstacle in a hostile Australian atmosphere if they are to reach Saturday’s final.

Wiegman believes her side is more than capable of coming through the tie in a bid to make history.

“They’ve impressed me very much,” she said. “We already knew that this team was really committed, really wants to do well, and really wants to learn. But also are very adaptive, and we have shown that now on a couple of occasions.

“We’ve had many, many moments where we’ve had to adapt and had to switch quickly in a new situation, to a new shape, or with other players on the pitch. But everyone was prepared and is prepared.

“We know what our Plan A is, and what Plan B is, and we know everything about players who can step in for other players and are ready to play.

“It has been great, we’ve shown a lot of resilience and adaptability. We’re ready for tomorrow.”

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