Australia Women vs. England Women Betting Tips: Lionesses backed to reach first World Cup Final

The Lionesses face the toughest of tasks against co-hosts Australia in what is effectively an away game in Sydney.

A prized place in the Women's World Cup Final is up for grabs in an eagerly anticipated duel that will be screened live on BBC 1 on Wednesday (11am).

Here are our top two selections for the game.

England dug deep to reach their third successive World Cup semi-finals after they came from behind to beat Colombia 2-1. In 2015 they finished third and in 2019 they had to settle for fourth, now four years later they have their sights firmly set on glory following their historic European Championship success last summer.

If the Lionesses are to reach their first ever World Cup Final then they must do it the hard way against co-hosts Australia at Sydney's Stadium Australia, a venue which will also host the Final.

England's one and only defeat in 37 games under Sarina Wiegman actually came at the hands of Australia back in April, however, they have yet to lose a competitive outing under the Dutch maestro who is overseeing a 12-game unbeaten run a major tournaments.

That impressive record will be tested to the maximum against The Matildas who finished top of their group, despite a surprise defeat to Nigeria - a side England would then beat on penalties - before knocking out Denmark in the last-16 and France in the quarters following a hugely dramatic 20 penalty kicks in the shoot-out.

Roared on by a passionate and expectant home crowd, Australia can be backed at 5/2 to win on Wednesday, with England the 7/5 favourites, while a draw is 21/10 (all odds in 90 minutes).

Installing a winning mentality has been key to Wiegman's success as England manager.

The Lionesses could easily have buckled after going down to 10 against Nigeria in the last-16, but they held firm and eventually triumphed on penalties. Similarly, they could have come unstuck after going a goal down to Colombia in front of a hostile crowd, yet they swiftly equalised on the stroke of half time, before netting a second-half winner.

England's invaluable experience of performing and thriving in high-pressure situations last summer will put them in good stead as they prepare to tackle Australia in front of a fervent home crowd in Sydney.

Remaining cool and composed will be key, as will being adaptable and open to changing tact should their initial gameplan not go to plan. England's ability to grind out wins and step up to the plate at pivotal moments means I think they will edge this one, just, with 4/6 on offer for progression into their first ever World Cup Final. 

Both countries have experienced extra-time and penalties so far this tournament, with Wednesday's encounter likely to go the distance too. An England win in extra-time can be backed at 10/1 (bet365), while a penalty shoot-out success is priced at 7/1 (Paddy Power).

Alessia Russo showcased her value to the team after she coolly and confidently fired home the winner against Colombia.

It was her second goal in her last three matches at the tournament and seventh in her last 10 games at major tournaments.

At this stage of last summer's Euro 2022 she scored a memorable backheel in the 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden and will be confident of playing an integral role against the Matildas.

With that said, the striker stands out at a best-priced 3/1 with bet365 to find the back of the net inside 90 minutes.