England are back in action at the 2023 Women’s World Cup for the knockout section of the tournament, facing a Nigeria side that upset the odds to get out of a tough Group B – reigning Olympic champions Canada were the surprise victims.
The Lionesses finally got into their groove as the group stage wrapped earlier this month, putting six goals past China afetr labouring to previous victories over Haiti and Denmark.
The China match highlighted some tactical adaptability when Sarina Wiegman changed the formation in the wake of Keira Walsh’s knee injury and it appeared to throw off the shackles.
England have also won every last 16 game they have ever played at the World Cup since the round was first introduced between the group stage and the quarter-finals. The Lionesses came from behind against Norway, in 2015 sealed by a stunning goal from emerging star Lucy Bronze, before prevailing in a bad tempered but ultimately one-sided clash with Cameroon four years ago.
Nigeria cannot be underestimated. They have talent in abundance and showed they have knowhow by frustrating Canada in their opening game and then beating Australia.
Where to watch England vs Nigeria on TV/live stream
- When is kick off? Monday 7 August, 08:30 (BST), 17:30 (local), 03:30 (EST)
- Where is the match being played? Lang Park, Brisbane
- What time does TV coverage start in the UK? 08:00 (BST)
- Referee? Melissa Borjas (HON)
- VAR? Armando Villarreal (USA)
| Country/region | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BBC1/BBC iPlayer |
| United States | FS1, Peacock Premium, fubo, Telemundo, Universo |
| Canada | TSN1/TSN+ |
| Australia | Optus Sport |
| Ireland | RTE 2/RTE Player |
| Middle East/North Africa | beIN SPORTS |
England vs Nigeria H2H record
Across three previous meetings, Nigeria actually edge this head to head with two wins to England’s one. That being said, the most recent game between the Lionesses and the Super Falcons was 19 years ago – Nigeria won 3-0 in a friendly played at the Madejski Stadium in Reading.
Another friendly in 2002 was also won by Nigeria, 1-0 at Carrow Road in Norwich. England’s sole victory is the only competitive meeting on record, which was in the 1995 World Cup group stage. Karen Farley (2) and Karen Walker each scored the Lionesses in a goal-filled 3-2 win that day.
England team news
All 23 players in Sarina Wiegman’s squad trained on Sunday, including key midfielder Keira Walsh after recovering from the knee injury she suffered against Denmark.
Wiegman has already declared that if Walsh holds up following her first training session since 27 July, she will be deemed fit and would therefore be available. What remains to be seen, however, is exactly how match sharp she is after no involvement for a week and a half.
The other decision for Wiegman is whether to stick the 3-4-1-2 formation that proved so successful against China, revert to her usual 4-3-3, or try something different again.
Nigeria team news
Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala appears to be over the injury that saw her start on the bench in the group stage win over Australia, returning to the lineup against the Republic of Ireland last time out.
Deborah Abiodun is serving the last of the three-game suspension that she received following a straight red card in the opener against Canada.
England vs Nigeria score prediction
What is very clear heading into this game is that, despite being ranked 40th in the world, Nigeria should not be taken lightly. Their encounters with both Canada and Australia are proof of that.
Things might have looked very different had England not produced a statement performance against China in their final group match. That should given the European champions confidence ahead of this game that they seemed to be lacking previously.
Ultimately, the quality is there for England to win and progress. But they must heed the warnings that have come before, especially with United States the latest pre-tournament favourite to fall.