Women’s World Cup quarter-final: England to rain on Canadian parade

England may have only reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup which has, so far, been a roaring success, but the Lionesses are now within touching distance of the trophy.

Should they navigate their way past the last eight and expectant hosts Canada, a semi-final showdown against either Australia or current World Cup holders Japan will await, with one of favourites Germany or the USA ready to face the winner in the final.

First up are home nation Canada, however, and English-born coach John Herdman has already warned that the hungry hosts are “looking forward to getting out there and giving England hell.”

The North American outfit are 13/10 favourites from Coral to win over 90 minutes with their nation firmly behind them, and odds-on at 8/11 to progress to the semi-finals. However, the Canadians won just one of their Group A games, drawing the other two to finish top, and scraped past Switzerland with a 1-0 victory in the last 16, so have been far from their best.

Canada captain Christine Sinclair has already been on target this tournament (and is 5/1 to grab the first goal against England), but highlighted her side’s team ethic, stating: “I think you see the way our team celebrates every goal we score. We’re on the bench with the people who are not out on the field, celebrating.”

Supporting Sinclair will be fellow striker Josee Belanger, who struck the winner against Switzerland, so back her for more individual brilliance at 7/4 to be on target anytime.

As for England, who want to make women’s football history in this tournament by claiming a first World Cup, they appear prepared for Canada’s aggressive approach.

Speaking ahead of the quarter-final clash, England gaffer Mark Sampson said of Herdman’s side: “They’ve relied on some fortunate decisions and big individual moments…they’ve put their lives on hold for this tournament but we’re excited by the challenge and our squad is ready to take on the Canadian nation.”

Under Sampson the Lionesses have defeated their upcoming opponents twice from three tussles, so are sensational value at 11/5 to win in normal time.

Having been beaten just once at this World Cup so far, Coral’s superb match special odds of 9/1 for England to win in 90 mins and both teams to score (maximum stake £20), is even more tempting, though punters can also back the duel at 6/1 to go to penalties (also with a max stake of £20).

Leading the Lionesses’ attack is playmaker Karen Carney, currently England’s top scorer in Canada with two, and the attacking midfielder is an exceptional 11/4 in the anytime market, while forward Fran Kirby is a tasty 10/3.

Watch Carney’s cool goal against Colombia:

Coral’s betting tip: England are on a role, so 9/1 for the Lionesses to win in 90 mins and both teams to score (maximum stake £20) looks a great value wincast.