England can handle themselves against physical Colombia if the World Cup quarter-final gets fiery, striker Bethany England has said.
The European champions are preparing for the last-eight contest today at Stadium Australia against a Colombian side whose pre-tournament training game against Republic of Ireland behind closed doors had to be abandoned after just 20 minutes because of what the Irish felt was an “overly physical” start to the match that temporarily left one of their star players, Denise O’Sullivan, in hospital.
Asked about that pre-tournament training game, Tottenham striker England said: “We just have to make sure we approach it [the quarter-final] in a good manner, knowing that they can be physical, and we can also be physical and match that.
“Look, every game is physical in its own way. If it gets too physical, I’m sure that referees would step in when it comes to safety of players. But ultimately, I just think it’s a case of the biggest danger is just not to underestimate them.
“And I think it’s just going to be important that we don’t get too into more of a fight than actually playing football, because that’s what we’re here to do. We’re here to play the game that we love and hopefully do it in a good, stylish way as well.”
Looking further ahead, the Lionesses, if victorious in the quarter-final, will play a semi-final against either Australia or France. The final will be against either Spain or Sweden.
For more on what England are saying, go here.
What and when is it?
Kick-off is at 11.30am (UK time) today (8.30pm Sydney local time).
View the full fixtures and results here.
Where is the match being played?
England’s quarter-final against Colombia will be at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
How to watch
Broadcasting rights for the Women’s World Cup are being shared between BBC and ITV. Because the BBC got the first pick of the round-of-16 games (and chose England’s match with Nigeria), ITV will broadcast England’s quarter-final today.
Back England to win the World Cup with these Women’s World Cup betting offers and free bets.
Who is in England’s squad?
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Manchester United)