FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Five reasons why England can win their first ever Women’s World Cup title 

The grand finale of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup beckons, with the stage set for an electrifying showdown between Spain and European champions England .

All eyes will be on Stadium Australia in Sydney this Sunday (20 August) as these two sides battle for the ultimate prize, marking a historic opportunity for both England and Spain to secure their inaugural World Cup triumph.

Following their victorious European Championship campaign in 2022, England will be looking to secure back-to-back wins at major tournaments for the first time in their history.

Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-1 semi-final win over Sweden, and England cemented theirs with a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia.

Now, as the two sides gear up for arguably the most exciting Women’s World Cup final in history, Olympics.com takes a look at the factors that could help the Lionesses claim their first ever World Cup trophy.

• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Sweden secure third place with 2-0 win over co-hosts Australia
• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: All fixtures, results, goalscorers, and group standings - complete list

The Lionesses are yet to lose

Despite some shaky performances, England are yet to lose in this tournament.

What’s more, if it wasn’t for a 2-0 friendly loss to Australia in April 2023 - the Lionesses would have gone 38 matches without losing a single one.

Prior to their loss against the co-hosts, Sarina Wiegman had not lost a game as England manager since taking on the role in late 2021.

The team's impressive record suggests that England will do everything in their power to win each game.

From nervous, scrapy performances to dominant displays, the Lionesses seem to know how to grind out a result even when the odds are stacked against them.

Their opponents Spain will undoubtedly try to keep hold of the ball throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, and England’s ability to patiently force wins could work in their favour when dealing with a possession-heavy Spanish side.

Sarina Wiegman's squad cohesion

Over the years, the Lionesses have struggled to find a head coach that feels like the right fit.

From squad disharmony to questionable tactics and lack of confidence, England’s wealth of talent often lacked the right guidance to blossom. Until now.

Sarina Wiegman is undoubtedly one of the best managers England have ever had, and her experience in preparing for major tournaments will prove invaluable as the squad takes on this Spanish side.

As the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has shown, Wiegman has achieved a collectiveness on her team that almost seems foreign to English football at international level.

Having reached a World Cup final with the Netherlands in 2019, Wiegman will be eager to go one step further in becoming the first-ever female manager to secure back-to-back major tournament victories.

England and adaptability

Heading into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, England fans were nervous.

Injuries had torn through the Lionesses camp, taking out captain Leah Williamson, Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and star forward Fran Kirby.

Having won the European Championships without changing the starting 11 - a set-up which included all three of the now injured players - there were questions whether England would adapt in time for the July-August tournament.

Despite these doubts, England have successfully adjusted to the new line-ups and Wiegman has not been afraid of experimenting as the tournament progressed. In contrast to her Euros 2022 strategy of an unchanged 11, she has rotated this year's side depending on the players' form and the upcoming opponent.

Wiegman's ability to adapt was further tested when forward Lauren James received a two-game suspension, forcing the manager to revise her plan yet again.

England, like a lot of other nations at the 2023 Women's World Cup, were dealt a tough hand in terms of availability and injuries. What has set the Lionesses apart, however, is their ability to adapt with ease.

Lauren James’ return

Much to England’s delight, 21-year-old Lauren James will be available to play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

The forward received a two-match ban following her red card in the Round of 16 fixture against Nigeria.

Prior to her suspension, James managed three goals and three assists in three group stage fixtures against China, Denmark and Haiti in what quickly became an incredible debut tournament for the Chelsea star.

With James now once again available to play, England fans will be looking forward to seeing what impact she can have on the world’s biggest stage.

England’s stand-out performers

Many nations will have stand-out performers throughout major tournaments. A star striker, or perhaps a solid goalkeeper. What has given England the edge is the number of brilliant players at this year's tournament.

There are several Lionesses who have made headlines for their incredible performances thus far, and deservedly so.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has had a spectacular campaign with a number of saves that have arguably kept her team in the competition.

Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter have also impressed in defence, adapting to new shapes and supporting Millie Bright who was fresh back from injury.

Lauren James has had a great debut tournament, despite the suspension, and Chloe Kelly continued to prove herself as Sarina Wiegman’s ‘super sub’.

Winger Lauren Hemp has earned praise for her speed and technicality, along with Rachel Daly who has switched between positions as and when Wiegman required.

Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone have played a major role in England’s success throughout this tournament as well.

The depth of this Lionesses squad has offered Wiegman a variety of options and the talent of each player proves why this side is deserving of a place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.