Fansided

Why USWNT fans should root for an England semifinal matchup

By Kevin Parvizi

VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Ellen White of England celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut on June 23, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Ellen White of England celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut on June 23, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Alex Caparros - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) /
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The USWNT and England played to a 2-2 draw in this year’s SheBelieves Cup, so a World Cup semifinal match between these two powerhouse teams would be a dream come true.

Football fans have been treated to some incredible games at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and both the USWNT and England have instant classics lined up for the quarterfinals. England take on Norway, led by Player of the Tournament candidate Caroline Graham Hansen, in a match that has “upset” written all over it. Meanwhile, the United States are ready for an all-time classic on Friday against France. Not only do France have the strength of being the host nation, but, on paper, they are arguably just as talented as the defending champions.

USWNT fans cannot get ahead of themselves, but it’s fair to start taking a peek at the two possible semifinals opponents. And while England look like the stronger team on paper, the United States wouldn’t want to face Norway either. Norway have two tremendous center backs and the incomparable Graham Hansen, whose ability to beat defenders one-on-one and create opportunities from out of nowhere have made her one of the best players in this year’s World Cup.

From a neutral’s perspective – or from the perspective of someone who would want the most hyped match possible – England vs. the USWNT is such a tantalizing matchup. The United States are one of the best teams every year, and England are now in that bracket. In 2015, the USWNT won the World Cup. England won the third-placed game. But neither team played each other in the semifinals, making a potential semifinals match against these two teams even more intriguing.

Plus, this year’s edition of the England women’s team is even stronger than the third-place squad in 2015. Nikita Parris, Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead (or Toni Duggan), and Alex Greenwood are owning the flanks. Fran Kirby and Ellen White are on top form in attack. Steph Houghton is an all-action defender who can make highlight-reel goal-line clearances and last-ditch tackles.

In short, England could be the physical, technical, and experienced team that knocks the USWNT out of the tournament. The United States already received quite the scare in the first round of the knockout stages, needing two Megan Rapinoe penalties to overcome a Spain side that defended with everything on the line. England would be just as physical and have even more attacking talent than Spain.

There’s also the timing of this potential semifinals matchup. If England and the USWNT win their games, they would play on July 2 in the semifinals, just two days before the Fourth of July. That can only help add to the buzz around this matchup.

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Of course, the USWNT could easily lose to a loaded France squad that is under just as much pressure as the defending champions. On the other side, England will have their problems against Norway, who knocked Sam Kerr and Australia out of the tournament with a gritty win after a well-done penalty shootout performance.

If the stars align, though, the USWNT could be headed for back-to-back dream matches against France and England in the World Cup knockout stages, and fans would finally get to see which team is better after England and the United States played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year.