We are edging ever closer to the Women’s World Cup and our preview series has reached Group D, which features European champions England. Sarina Wiegman will be desperate to reach the final given the Lionesses have fallen at the semi-final stage for the last two tournaments.
Group D
England
Haiti
Denmark
China
There’s absolutely no doubt that England are favourites to win this group, with Wiegman keen to make an impression on the world stage having won the Euros on home soil. But England’s issues are aplenty, and there is a feeling that things aren’t quite right as they head to Australia.
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The last two results have caused concern. A 2-0 loss to the co-hosts was followed by a 0-0 draw against Portugal and the lack of incisiveness in front of goal will cause some concern. So far England haven’t found that winning formula in the final third, with the loss of Ellen White still causing some issues. Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly will have to step up to the plate, while Lauren James looks like an exciting wide option to complement Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly.
There’s a whole heap of talent in the squad, but the injured absentees have made this squad weaker in comparison to the one that was successful in 2022. Beth Mead and Leah Williamson are the two major absentees, with the England captain’s injury seriously detrimental to the squad, given her leadership abilities.
The centre-back hole she has left has still not been completely resolved either, with Esme Morgana and Jess Carter the latest pairing given a chance by Wiegman in the heart of defence. England simply aren’t set up to win the entire tournament, but they may well win the group.
Denmark and China are ranked 13th and 14th in the world, and both will challenge an England side that is not yet firing on all cylinders. China enjoyed a successful 2022, winning the Asian Cup, their first trophy in 16 years. Led by Shui Qingxia, a five-time Asian Cup winner herself, China have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
However, their recent form does not give them much hope heading into the World Cup. They’ve failed to win in their last four that included a 4-1 loss to Sweden and a 3-0 loss to Spain in April. Four years ago they made it to the last 16 and repeating that would mark a successful tournament for China.
Meanwhile Denmark haven’t appeared at a World Cup since 2007, yet spearheaded by Chelsea’s Pernille Harder they have embarked on a decent run of form. Norway, Uruguay, Japan and Sweden have all felt the wrath of Harder and co and their key opening fixture against China could be decisive. Both of these teams are expected to lose to England and beat Haiti, which makes this a potential winner takes all clash.
Haiti are the rank outsiders. The 53rd-ranked nation in the world have never played at a World Cup before but the Caribbean island is looking to make a big impression on the big stage. They do have one special talent, in Lyon midfielder Melchie Dumornay and the 19-year-old will carry the weight of her nation on her shoulders as they look to shock Group D. Last year GOAL named her their NXGN 2022 winner, and she should be one of the breakout stars of this competition.
This group is one to watch out for, and England won’t have it all their own way.
