England head into their Women’s World Cup quarter final against Colombia as ½ favourites to win in normal time – the most generous match odds offered about them so far in the tournament.
That price has as much to do with the Lionesses’ largely unconvincing body of work so far in Australia and New Zealand as Colombia’s strong form in their history making run to the last eight.
Our England vs Colombia predictions are focused on another dour display from Sarina Wiegman’s side in Sydney in which they may just benefit from some Colombian defensive generosity.
England Women vs Colombia Women betting tips
Total Goals – Under 1.5 @ 6/4
England win to nil @ 11/10
Georgia Stanway to score first @ 6/1
Bet on the latest Women’s World Cup odds at Betzone
Goals destined to be at a premium at Stadium Australia
Three of England’s four outings at the World Cup so far have rewarded under 1.5 goals backers –the 1-0 group stage wins over Haiti and Denmark and the 0-0 round of 16 draw with Nigeria that they subsequently won on penalties.
A repetition of the outlier in that sequence, the 6-1 win over China, looks all the more unlikely against Colombia because Lauren James – the architect of that rampage with two goals and three assists – is suspended after her red card against the Nigerians.
For their part Las Cafeteras’ last two games have also seen just one goal scored, suggesting this one will be decided by the slenderest of margins, if it’s to be decided in normal time at all.
Tip: Total Goals – Under 1.5 @ 6/4
England win to nil too big a price given their defensive record
The Lionesses undoubtedly possess the depth of class to edge this encounter and are likely to benefit from a slightly less daunting physical contest than they faced against uber-fit Nigeria.
Backing them to win at 1/2 feels distinctly unappetising given the lack of attacking end product on offer in three of their four matches so far at the tournament.
However, backing them to win without conceding at north of evens makes a good deal more appeal given they’ve kept three clean sheets in four games so far, with their only concession a harsh penalty for handball in the 6-1 hammering of China.
Tip: England win to nil @ 11/10
Spot-kick go to Stanway the sensible scorer bet in Sydney
If England aren’t able to rediscover the cutting edge largely absent against all opponents but China so far in the tournament there’s a chance that a penalty could help them get their noses in front.
Both goals Colombia have conceded en route to the quarter finals were as a result of spot kicks, with Alexandra Popp netting hers for Germany and Morocco’s Anissa Lahmari slotting home a rebound after Ghizlane Chebakk’s penalty was saved.
Stanway is England’s designated taker and netted from 12 yards against Haiti in the groups. Take advantage of what will likely be a very low scoring contest to shoot for the better odds about her scoring first.
Tip: Georgia Stanway to score first @ 6/1
