On Saturday, England Women will go head-to-head with Colombia Women for a place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup 2023.

The Lionesses have featured in the quarter-finals in all six of their Women's World Cup appearances, while the South Americans are appearing at this stage for the first time.

Match preview

After winning the European Championships last year, England entered the Women's World Cup as one of the contenders, even without the services of the injured Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby.

Despite recording 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark in their opening two games, there was certainly a sense that England needed to improve if they wanted to challenge for the silverware.

They produced an improved display in their final group game against China, racking up six goals while only conceding from a penalty.

However, they were unable to muster another strong performance against Nigeria in the last 16, where they had to ride their luck on occasions and survive extra time with 10 players after Lauren James was given her marching orders in the 87th minute for a stamp on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie.

Just like they did in April's Finalissima triumph against Brazil, the Lionesses held their nerve from the penalty spot to win the shootout and advance to the quarter-finals.

They will now attempt to progress to the semi-finals for the third consecutive time at the Women's World Cup.

Colombia's success in Australia and New Zealand has proven to be one of the stories of the tournament, but they are still looking to create more history after reaching the Women's World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

After beginning their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Korea, the South Americans managed to claim a stunning 2-1 win over Germany to effectively seal their place in the last 16.

Despite finishing the group stage with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco, Nelson Abadia's side entered Tuesday's encounter with Jamaica in a confident mood.

Their last-16 meeting proved to be a cagey affair, but Colombia came out on top thanks to Catalina Usme's 51st-minute winner.

Colombia are now carrying the hopes of a continent, as they attempt to become the first South American nation since 2007 to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.

Team News

England boss Sarina Wiegman will be forced into at least one change, with James set to serve a two-match suspension.

After having to settle for a place on the bench for the last two matches, Manchester United's Ella Toone is expected to return to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Jess Carter will retain her place in the back three alongside Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood, with the trio looking to help England claim their fourth clean sheet of the tournament.

As for Colombia, Manuela Vanegas will return from suspension to take up her position on the left side of a back four.

Having started the last two matches, Atletico Madrid's Leicy Santos will continue to operate in the middle of the park with Diana Ospina and Lorena Bedoya.

Usme and Linda Caicedo have scored two goals apiece at the tournament, and they are expected to be joined in the forward line by Mayra Ramirez.

England Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronz, Stanway, Walsh, Daly; Toone; Russo, Hemp

Colombia Women possible starting lineup:
Perez; C. Arias, Carabali, D. Arias, Guzman; Santos, Ospina, Bedoya; Ramirez, Caicedo, Usme

We say: England Women 1-0 Colombia Women

England have struggled to find their best form in the tournament, but they have proven to be a strong defensive force.

They are still yet to concede from open play in their four matches, and we think that they will produce another resolute display to edge out Colombia in Saturday's quarter-final.

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