Women’s World Cup 2023: Key Partnerships That Could Decide The Final

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  Spain’s centre-backs will be tested
• The midfield partnership of the Lionesses with a huge job to do
• Bonmati and Hermoso’s creativity could be key

Spain

Irene Paredes and Laia Codina The Spanish defence has come under heavy scrutiny in this tournament. While their midfield and attack take the plaudits, the concern from pundits was: how would a less heralded defence hold up under pressure? That pressure only cranked up a notch after their 4-0 defeat to Japan in the final game of the group stage.

Paredes has played every minute for La Roja at Australia & New Zealand 2023. Codina, meanwhile, was drafted into the team for their round of 16 clash with Switzerland. She recovered impressively after scoring an early own goal by netting at the right end in a thumping 5-1 win – and then produced solid performances against the Netherlands and Sweden. If the centre-backs can keep a clean sheet against the pace and physicality of England, it will go a long way to helping their team to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup™ title.

Aitana Bonmati and Jennifer Hermoso Is there a better midfielder in the world right now than Bonmati? The 25-year-old is sublime on the ball, with her ability to turn away from defenders and pick a pass one of Spain’s greatest assets. She’s more than capable of scoring goals by herself as well, with three strikes so far in the tournament.

Her partnership with striker Hermoso has been crucial for the Spanish attack. The hallmark of this Spanish team has been their capabilities going forward – it is free-flowing and a joy to watch. If Bonmati and Hermoso can find ways to combine in final third it could be very difficult for their opponents to counter.

England

Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp The Lionesses’ tactical flexibility has caught the eye at this tournament. They began the competition in a 4-3-3, with Hemp and Chloe Kelly as wingers and Russo through the middle. However, in their final group-stage game against China, coach Sarina Wiegman switched to a 3-5-2 system with Hemp and Russo as the strike partnership – and they have not looked back since.

Both scored in their semi-final victory over Australia and their partnership will be key to England’s attacking potency against Spain. Hemp is not a traditional centre-forward but her speed and ability on the ball causes teams issues, particularly in transition. Those attributes, alongside Russo – who is coming into her own as one of the premier strikers in world football – can be lethal for opposition defences.

Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway England dominated the midfield battle against the Matildas, particularly in the second half. With Ella Toone deployed in more of a No10 role, Walsh and Stanway are responsible for keeping the Lionesses ticking in possession, and snuffing out any chances in defensive transition.

Walsh’s qualities are well known. The Barcelona midfielder is known as one of the world’s best at recycling possession and shielding the backline. Stanway, meanwhile, is a creative, attacking threat who complements the forwards. England’s midfield duo will have their hands full against Spain but Walsh in particular will back herself to perform against many of her club team-mates.