Before their initial contest, England’s squad took a stroll around Brisbane Stadium on a calm Friday evening. The Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, from 20 July to 20 August. Comprehensive live coverage of the event will be provided on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the Sport Newes Center website & app.
Millie Bright, the team’s captain, declares that the Lionesses are “anxiously awaiting the start” of their World Cup campaign as they gear up to challenge Haiti. The European victors will launch their Group D adventure at Brisbane Stadium, Saturday 10:30 BST, with subsequent matches against Denmark and China in the group stage.
The English side, eager to claim their first Women’s World Cup victory, is up against Haiti, who is making their maiden appearance in the tournament.
“The anticipation of playing tomorrow is even greater,” said Bright. “Everyone has been restless for the tournament to officially kick-off. We are all prepared and eager to start. The team has been closely following the [opening night] matches and excitement levels are through the roof. We are eagerly ticking down the hours for our turn.”
Under the leadership of Manager Sarina Wiegman, England went through a 30-game unbeaten stretch before their loss to Australia in April. Wiegman, who was a runner-up with the Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup, aspires to make it to her second consecutive World Cup final.
“We are here with a dream. It’s a fact that any team can clinch the World Cup and there are many competitors,” she stated. “However, we are dedicated to giving our all – starting tomorrow.”
England is the fourth-ranked team globally and is considered a strong contender in the tournament. However, they will face fierce competition, especially from the United States, who are striving for an unprecedented third consecutive win.
Following their first significant women’s trophy victory at the European Championship at home last year, the tournament is held in Australia and New Zealand. “England always bears the pressure. Winning expectations from England are a norm – this isn’t any different,” Wiegman noted.
England’s first game build-up has been filled with off-pitch stories, including Bright’s choice of FIFA-approved armbands and player dissatisfaction related to Football Association negotiations concerning performance-related bonuses. The squad also faces some significant absences due to injury, including Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby.
Despite knee surgery in April and lingering doubts about her fitness, defender Bright has been declared “completely ready” by Wiegman to face off against Haiti. “Unfortunately, injuries are part and parcel of the sport, and we must forge ahead,” said Bright. “We have an exceptional team of players and staff who have stepped up. We’re ready to go.”
A year after joining Haiti, Nicolas Delepine led them through the qualifying rounds to their first-ever World Cup. Wiegman insists that England has been thorough in their preparations for the match against Haiti, ranked significantly lower in the global ranking.
The game will mark the first competitive meeting between the two sides. While Haiti enters the match as underdogs, England’s scoring has been lacking in their past three matches, including a scoreless warm-up match with Canada behind closed doors.
Delepine opined, “England are a potent attacking side, but they may struggle with goal completion.”
However, Wiegman believes that the planning is now complete and she trusts her players to shine in the opener, despite recent lackluster performances.
“The team understands our game plan and objectives. The strategy is ready,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Our gameplay is transparent, the roles are defined, and we’re set to hopefully steal the show. I hope we see an entertaining England team that’s ready to attack, respects Haiti’s abilities, and plays with freedom.”
Sport Newes Center’s football expert, Rachel Brown-Finnis, is predicting the outcomes of all 64 matches at the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023. “It’s surprising to see England struggling to score goals – their drought has lasted three games now. They really need to rectify this situation,” she said. “Despite it likely not being an overly impressive performance, I believe they will defeat Haiti, who are playing at their first World Cup. I hope this gives England some confidence for their upcoming matches.”
Brown-Finnis’ prediction: 2-0.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about England vs Haiti Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Preview
When and where is the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 taking place?
The Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 is taking place from 20 July to 20 August, hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.
Who is the captain of the England team for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023?
Millie Bright is the captain of the England team for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023.
Which teams are in England’s group for the tournament?
England is in Group D for the tournament, and they will face Haiti, Denmark, and China.
What is England’s current global ranking in women’s football?
As of the tournament’s start, England is ranked fourth in the world in women’s football.
Who are the key players missing from the England squad due to injury?
Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby are notable absentees from the England squad due to injuries.
Who is managing the England team for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023?
Sarina Wiegman is managing the England team for the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023.
Who guided Haiti through qualification to their first Women’s World Cup?
Nicolas Delepine guided Haiti through qualification to their first Women’s World Cup.
What’s the predicted outcome of the England vs Haiti match?
The predicted outcome by Sport Newes Center’s football expert, Rachel Brown-Finnis, for the England vs Haiti match is a 2-0 victory in favor of England.
More about England vs Haiti Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Preview
- FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
- England Women’s National Football Team
- Haiti Women’s National Football Team
- BBC Sport
- Sport Newes Center
5 comments
so many strong teams this year, will be exciting to see who ends up taking the cup.
Wiegman has done wonders for the England team, just hope they can break the scoring drought in this match. Go England!
really hope Millie’s knee holds up. We can’t afford any more injuries. Best of luck to the lionesses!
Cmon England! We’re rooting for you all the way! Millie Bright’s gonna lead us to victory, I can feel it!
Just being in the World Cup is a dream for us Haitians, we might be the underdogs but we have heart! Go Haiti!!!