The final round of Euro 2022 group fixtures begin on Friday evening with a home nations derby between Northern Ireland and England at St Mary’s.
It’s just momentum at stake for England, having already qualified for the quarter finals as group winners following their record-breaking 8-0 victory over Norway last time out.
Northern Ireland meanwhile are just playing for pride, after a group stage exit at their maiden major tournament was confirmed following a pair of defeats in their opening two matches.
When is kick-off? Friday 15 July, 20:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
TV channel/live stream? BBC One (UK)
What time does coverage start? 19:30 (BST)
Northern Ireland continue to be without talismanic striker Simone Magill, who was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury in her side’s opening group match against Norway.
Sarah McFadden has been colossal at the back for Northern Ireland thus far, and she will have to be at her very best to keep out England’s goal hungry attack.
Demi Stokes will sit out Friday evening’s game after sustaining a minor knee injury, but it is hoped she will be available for England’s quarter final clash on Wednesday.
Lotte Wubben-Moy has returned to the England squad after missing the victory over Norway due to Covid-19. She will make her senior major tournament debut should she feature on Friday evening.
Sarina Wiegman has confirmed she won’t rotate her squad despite the Lionesses already being assured of top spot in their group, and they could remain unchanged from the side that beat Norway 8-0.
Northern Ireland (4-5-1): Burns; Magee, Nelson, McFadden, Vance; Wade, Callaghan, McCarron, Andrews, K. McGuinness; C. McGuinness
England (4-3-3): Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Daly; Walsh, Stanway, Kirby; Mead, Russo, Hemp.
Northern Ireland will be desperate to depart their maiden major tournament with something to show for their efforts, but picking up points against the highest ranked side in the group will be a tall order.
Expect more fight and resilience from Northern Ireland, but ultimately a comfortable England victory is the most likely outcome given their firepower going forward..
Prediction: Northern Ireland 0-3 England
