Women’s World Cup: Robbie Savage names two Australian stars who can run England ragged in semi-final
Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Emily van Egmond of Australia
Planet Sport ambassador Robbie Savage looks ahead to a much-anticipated Women's World Cup semi-final between England and Australia.
The Olympic Stadium in Sydney will play host to a mammoth Women's World Cup semi-final clash between Australia and England.
Aside from their 6-1 thrashing of China, the Lionesses have somewhat struggled their way through to the semis.
Nevertheless, Sarina Wiegman's side are now just two victories away from sealing England's first senior World Cup crown since 1966.
Australia, on the other hand, have captured the imagination of an entire nation as the hosts forced their way into the last four.
Former Premier League midfielder has been keeping a close eye on the action Down Under and is backing the Matildas to prevail, but under one condition.
He told Planet Sport: "I've got to say, this is such a difficult one to predict.
"No Lauren James for England, she's serving the second game of a two-match ban. Will Sarina Wiegman stick with Ella Toone in that 10 position, will she adapt, will she change her tactics against an Australian side who may start with Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr up front?
"We've not seen Sam Kerr start in this competition yet, but this could be the occasion. One of the best players in the world. England haven't been defensively that good, I know they had lots of chances created against them.
"I think Foord and Kerr, if the Matildas are brave and go with those two up-front, they could cause England lots of problems. They've got the whole of Australia behind them.
"I'm going to go with a draw. I think this could go all the way, extra-time and penalties. I'm going with Australia on penalties."
Australia beat France on penalties to reach the semi-final stage and they are the only team in the tournament to have kept four clean sheets.
The Matildas will also take encouragement from the fact they beat the Lionesses 2-0 in a friendly last April.
However, England manager Wiegman boasts a tremendous record at major tournaments and her side certainly can't be underestimated ahead of a tasty Sydney clash.
