European Champions England Kickstart Their World Cup Campaign Against Debutants Haiti

The Three Lions begin their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign on Saturday when they face Haiti in Brisbane.

With their triumph on home soil at last summer’s Euros still fresh in their minds, England are gunning to win the World Cup for the first time.

Four years ago in France, their journey ended at the semi-final stage after an agonising 2-1 defeat to eventual champions USA. 

Under Sarina Wiegman, England have lost only one of her 32 games in charge so will be heading to the tournament full of confidence despite being without key players Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby.

Haiti reached their first-ever World Cup after beating China in the final of the Intercontinental Play-offs.

The Caribbean side are the lowest-ranked team in Group G and the third lowest-ranked team at the tournament so they face an almighty task to get out of the group and just reaching the finals was an achievement for Nicolas Delephine’s side.

Haiti have conceded 11 goals in their last four games which have included defeats to South Korea, Venezuela and Guatemala and keeping the score down against England may prove difficult.

Team News

England were handed a boost pre-match after Sarina Wiegman confirmed that captain Millie Bright will be fit to start at the heart of the side’s defence after overcoming a knee issue.

Alex Greenwood has also recovered from an ankle injury and will also start for the Lionesses. Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly is likely to play up front for Wiegman’s side where she will be flanked by Lauren James and Lauren Hemp.

Haiti have no injury concerns so Kerly Theus will start in goal with a central defensive pairing of Tabitha Joseph and Jennyfer Limage. Recent Lyon purchase Melchie Dumornay will play in midfield whilst Roselord Borgella will lead the line.