China vs England Odds
| China Odds | +600 |
| England Odds | -223 |
| Draw | +320 |
| Over/Under | 2.5 (+107 / -138) |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes/No) | (+125 / -175) |
| Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute World Cup odds here. | |
Since 2007, China have had the advantage when they faced off against England. The Steel Roses currently lead the head-to-head series 2-1-1 in that time. That includes a 2-1 win the last time these two nations faced off in a friendly in 2015, but 2015 feels like a long time ago now.
On Tuesday, China are the outside bet (+600) to win. England – ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings – arrive off the back of two narrow 1-0 victories. They are yet to concede a goal at this tournament.
China are the hungrier of these two teams ,though. When the Steel Roses walk out at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia, they cannot afford to lose.
In order to qualify for the 2023 World Cup round of 16, China will need to better whatever scoreline Denmark put up against Haiti. It could come down to goals scored or goal difference if both teams draw/win. If Haiti beat Denmark, then China could qualify with a draw or a defeat by a maximum of one goal. England need just a draw to advance, and they would have to lose to China by a two-goal margin to be eliminated.
China Looking to Take Advantage of Star Player
Like a few teams in this tournament – including England – China have spent the opening two matches wishing they could have had more minutes from their injured star player.
28-year-old Wang Shuang is a tricky attacking midfielder who can play anywhere across the frontline. She's been working her way back to fitness after an ankle injury and is yet to start a match at the 2023 World Cup.
A halftime substitute against Haiti, Shuang scored the winning penalty to give an under pressure 10-player China an unlikely win. The strike is the only goal China have scored so far at the tournament.
Despite only making two appearances off the bench, Shuang is also leading her country for progressive passes (8), xG (0.9) and is second for total shots (3). Effective in one-on-one situations, she currently she has a 100% success rate on dribble take-ons (3/3).
China head coach Shui Qingxia will have a big call to make. Start Shuang and risk China not doing enough early and having to bring her off when chasing a goal, or opt for a more defensive outlook and gamble that China can keep the match close enough for Shuang to be the difference off the bench?
Defensively, China have been solid. Denmark needed a 90th minute header from a corner kick to snatch a 1-0 win. Haiti were reduced to just one shot on target. Expect China to stay compact, especially in the first half when a draw could be enough to advance.
England Continuing to Build
Two wins from two matches doesn't mean everything is perfect with the Lionesses. England will be without their best player: Keira Walsh. The holding midfielder, and metronome for this team's passing build-up play, sustained a knee injury in the win over Denmark.
Lauren James didn't start the opening match against Haiti but will almost certainly start against China after her wondergoal from 25 yards out sealed the victory against Denmark.
Walsh's injury means that head coach Sarina Wiegman will have to make some adjustments to the midfield. That could mean moving James more central from her more usual left wing position and bringing Lauren Hemp back into the starting XI.
England haven't been scoring freely. A penalty kick against Haiti and a long-range screamer versus Denmark is a testament to the Lionesses' passing and crossing not being at their best.
Thus, another position that feels up for grabs for the European champions is center forward. Alessia Russo has started both matches so far, but has failed to score in each of them. After 150 minutes of action, the Arsenal forward has only produced 1.0 xG from eight attempts (five of those on target).
The numbers suggest she's snatching at shots too early and trying to score from unfavorable positions. Or perhaps her teammates aren't doing enough to free her up in more space in the box.
Either way, Rachel Daly, who led the English lead in scoring with 22 goals, or Beth England, who scored 12 goals for Tottenham Hotspur between January and May, could get an opportunity to impress.
England don't need to win this match, but after 180 minutes of middling soccer and a major injury, they need to show cohesion and fluidity.
China vs England Pick
Right now, China and England have a track record of playing games very close. With the Steel Roses potentially only needing a draw to advance, and England only needing one point to top the group, there's a good chance that this match finishes goalless.
On the other hand, Wiegman could experiment with her team. The England players will know that if they impress against China they could earn a starting spot in the knockout rounds. That's a big reason to show up. The Lionesses will want to build momentum and not take this match too lightly.
If China try and stay physical on defense, England penalty-taker Georgia Stanway could be one to watch to break the deadlock.
Picks: Half-time/Full-time: Tie-England (+275), Georgia Stanway to score first/anytime (+700 / +275)
