China vs England Prediction: A stern test awaits both teams in a delicate group

On Tuesday, the Steel Roses will lock horns with England in a must-win encounter at the Coopers Stadium. China became the first side to record a victory after being reduced to ten women in the FIFA Women’s World Cup since Sweden in 2011. The Steel Roses will be poised to advance to the next round in this delicate group. On the other hand, the Lioness are in dire straits to secure the ticket to the knockout stage even though they’ve won their last two games.

China

FIFA Ranking: 14th

The Steel Roses' chances of making it out of the group stages took a hit when they lost to Denmark in their opening game. After that defeat, China picked up and secured an emphatic victory over Haiti. Despite being a player down, the Steel Roses defeated debutant Haiti when Wang Shuang scored from the spot kick.

The result left their hopes hanging as the Steel Roses must either secure the maximum points or share the spoils and hope Denmark loses.

Possible Starting Eleven (4-4-2): Xu Huan; Li Mengwen, Yao Wei, Chen Qiaozhu, Wu Chengshu; Yeyun, Zhang Rui, Lina Yang, Zhang Linyan; Wang Shanshan, Lou.

FIFA Ranking: 4th

The Lioness began their journey with a scrappy (1-0) victory over a formidable Haiti side. England garnered their second win of the tournament with another average performance against Denmark. Lauren James gave the Lioness an early lead when she found the back of the net six minutes into the game; however, as the game went on, Denmark became stronger and deserved at least a point. The game, which ended in a (1-0) victory for England, was their second victory of the tournament.

Sarina Wiegman's team sits at the top of the log, but with China and Denmark winning one match apiece so far, it means the Lionesses may need a draw to be certain of their qualification to the knockout stage.

Possible Starting Eleven (4-3-3): Mary Earps; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood; Georgia Stanway, Laura Coombs, Ella Toone; Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp.

Over their previous five meetings, China have lost just one of their five games against the Lionesses; they have won three and drawn once. The Steel Rosses have never lost their final group stage game at a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, but they have drawn in their last two encounters. China were remarkable against Haiti and deserved all the points, unlike England, who didn't perform to their standard. It will be tough to decide who takes all the points, but we’ll rather focus on goals as we expect both sides to get a goal apiece for 2.39.

Keira Walsh was a first-half substitute for the Lioness, and the influential midfielder will be a great loss in this crucial match against China. The Steel Roses will test their defence, and we believe they’ll at least get a point for 2.65.

We expect this game to witness more than two goals for 2.08.

Good luck!