England have been busy applying the final touches to their preparations for today’s Women’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Colombia.
The Lionesses, having scraped through against Nigeria on penalties in the Round of 16, will start this morning’s game as heavy favourites but Sarina Wiegman will be keen to guard against complacency amongst her squad of European champions.
The South Americans are very much the surprise package of this year’s tournament and have already got the better of one European powerhouse so far Down Under, having beaten Germany 2-1 in the group stage.
The Lionesses will have to make do in Sydney without talismanic striker Lauren James, who was shown a straight red card for a stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the closing stages of normal time during Monday’s match.
James will miss any subsequent semi-final but the Chelsea forward’s World Cup journey remains alive, with confirmation of a two-match ban meaning she would be available for a possible final in Sydney a week on Sunday.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live rolling coverage of the 11.30am kick-off as it happens…
