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England WomenEngland Womenvs.Belgium WomenBelgium Women

sportsmole.co.uk, 20 February 2023, 23:23
England Women and Belgium Women will go head-to-head at Ashton Gate on Wednesday for the chance to win the Arnold Clark Cup.

A draw would be enough for the defending champions England, who sit top of the standings on goal difference, while only a win will do for Belgium.

Match preview

England Women continue to be an invincible force under Sarina Wiegman after winning their first two Arnold Clark Cup matches.

South Korea were comfortably dispatched by a 4-0 scoreline in their opening game, before the Lionesses claimed a narrow 2-1 win over Italy on Sunday.

Although Wiegman made wholesale changes for the clash with Italy, two Rachel Daly headers secured the European champions all three points.

England are now unbeaten in all 28 games of Wiegman's reign, and as they gear up for the World Cup later this year, they will be keen to continue their remarkable form against Belgium.

The Lionesses won the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup last year, and while a draw would be enough to retain the silverware, they will be targeting a third consecutive victory.

Belgium, meanwhile, are the only country competing in the invitational tournament that failed to qualify for the World Cup, but they have managed to demonstrate the quality they possess in their opening two games.

The Belgian Red Flames began the Arnold Clark Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Italy, thanks to Tessa Wullaert's 90th-minute winner.

Wullaert was on the scoresheet once again on Sunday, scoring the equalising goal in first half stoppage time after Lee Geum-min had given South Korea the lead.

Hoffenheim's Tine de Caigny completed the turnaround with a 68th-minute winner, ensuring her country head into Wednesday's finale level on six points with England.

Belgium have now won their last three internationals, and due to their inferior goal difference, another victory will be required if they are to pull off a surprise victory and lift the Arnold Clark Cup.

England Women Arnold Clark Cup form:

W

W

England Women form (all competitions):

Belgium Women Arnold Clark Cup form:

W

W

Belgium Women form (all competitions):

Team News

After giving minutes to a number of fringe players on Sunday, Wiegman is expected to name a similar lineup to the one that started the 4-0 win over South Korea.

Despite scoring a brace against South Korea, Daly may have to settle for a spot on the bench, with Alessia Russo expected to lead the line.

After missing the opening game due to injury Kiera Walsh returned to the starting lineup for the narrow win against Italy, and the Barcelona midfielder could be the only player that retains her place for Wednesday's contest.

Belgium boss Ives Serneels could also make wholesale changes after rotating his squad for the 2-1 win over South Korea.

De Caigny came off the bench to score the winning goal on Sunday, and the 25-year-old is expected to be among those who will return to the starting lineup.

Wullaert, meanwhile, is set to retain her place in the side, and she will be looking to continue her impressive form after registering six goals in her last five international appearances.

England Women possible starting lineup:

Earps; Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Greenwood; Stanway, Walsh; James, Toone, Kelly; Russo

Belgium Women possible starting lineup:

Evrard; Cayman, Kees, De Neve, Meersman; De Caigny, Detruyer, Vanhaevermaet, Biesmans, Dhont; Wullaert

We say: England Women 4-0 Belgium Women

England recorded a 3-0 win over Belgium when the two sides met in a friendly last June, and we think the Lionesses will showcase their quality to claim another comfortable victory, which would ensure they retain the Arnold Clark Cup.

How to watch

You can watch England Women vs. Belgium Women and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.

Previews by email

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