England vs Sweden 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Third Place Odds & Preview

England vs Sweden 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Third Place Odds & Preview

England came so close, on two different occasions, to drawing level with the United States in their Women’s World Cup semifinal on Tuesday. Trailing 2-1, they seemed to have gotten the tying goal, only to have VAR chime in and call the play offside. VAR then came to the help of the English side, giving them a penalty kick in the waning minutes. However, they failed to convert for the third time in four penalty kicks in this Women’s World Cup, the most failures of any team, and the United States advanced to the final. In the other semifinal, Netherlands and Sweden went to extra time for the first time in the history of the Women’s World Cup, and it was the Dutch advancing with a late goal, 1-0, giving Netherlands their first appearance ever in a Women’s World Cup final, while Sweden, who had emerged as a favorite after upsetting Germany on Saturday, will now see England on Saturday. Don’t miss our sports betting preview of this matchup between two of the world’s best soccer teams.

England vs Sweden 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Third Place Odds & Preview

When: Saturday, July 6, 2019, 11:00am ET Where: Allianz Riviera, Nice, France TV: FOX Radio: None Live Stream: ESPN+ Soccer Odds: England -150 / Sweden +400 / Draw +275 / O/U 2.5 

Why should you bet on England?

England played very well against the United States but ultimately did not convert some glorious chances. Will they have a post-loss letdown against Sweden? It is hard to turn around and play one’s best after coming so close in a semifinal game and getting sent to the third-place contest, but England does have an edge in terms of fatigue, as Sweden played 30 more minutes than England did in their semifinal and also had a golden opportunity to advance go away. The Three Lionesses possessed for 53 percent of the match against the United States and sent four shots on goal (including the saved penalty kick). If you like England, you see their opportunistic offense pushing through once again. The Swedes have a stellar defense, but their inability to turn mistakes by the opposition into goals at the other end is one reason why Netherlands was able to advance.

Why should you put your money on Sweden?

Sweden only possessed for 44 percent of their match against Netherlands and was shut out for the second time in four matches. In their upset win over Germany, Sweden actually pushed the attack and made the Germans pay for mistakes on their back line, but they were not as aggressive against Netherlands and did not finish the opportunities that they have. They need to move the ball better and push forward with more authority if they want to take the bronze medal from England on Saturday. Sweden won a 2018 friendly with England, 2-0, and the two sides played to a scoreless draw in a 2017 friendly. England looks solid, with their opportunistic offense, pushing the United States even harder than France did. If you like Sweden, you see England coming out with their heads down and Sweden taking advantage.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

England does not have the attitude of a team that has given up, at least not according to the way they acted coming off the field after their semifinal or in their interactions with the press. I see them pushing the offense again, making Sweden focus on their back line, and controlling Sweden’s ability to bring the ball up the field. I predict a bronze medal for the Three Lionesses in a 2-0 victory.