England Women vs Nigeria Women Predictions

• Lauren James has scored three goals across her last two games
• England have scored within six minutes in each of their last two matches
• Nigeria have failed to score in two of their last three games

Statement win for England

Sarina Wiegman made some tactical tweaks ahead of the clash with China and it paid off, with England running out 6-1 winners to wrap up Group D. Finishing top has granted them a good run of games to the semi-finals, starting with Monday’s clash against Nigeria.

While Nigeria are yet to taste defeat at this tournament, their 0-0 draws with Canada and the Republic of Ireland shouldn’t worry this England side too much. The European champions appear to have hit form at the right time, just as they did with their successful Euro 2022 run last year.

A big boost for England at this tournament has been Lauren James. She’s scored three times across their last two matches and her role just behind the forwards makes her exactly the kind of player who can unlock a Nigeria side who will likely set up to frustrate. Given that, James is an excellent option to score anytime in Brisbane.

Lionesses to make another fast start

A hallmark of England’s tournament so far has been quick starts. They’ve scored first in all three games, finding the net within six minutes in each of their last two. With Nigeria yet to score the opener at the World Cup – including failing to score twice – the Lionesses have the chance to take charge early.

This England side are among the strongest left at the tournament and they can dispatch a Nigeria side who led for just 37 of their 248 group stage minutes. By comparison, England were ahead for all bar 39 minutes across three games, so back them to lead at the end of each half in this last 16 clash.