Women's Euro 2022: England and Spain set for showdown in Brighton

The knockout stage of the Women’s Euro 2022 is upon us, and the quarter-finals get under way with a titanic tussle between the hosts and the pre-tournament favourites.

Spain must become more efficient in final third

England and Spain were the second-favourites and favourites respectively before a ball had been kicked this summer, but the pair will meet in the quarter-finals after Jorge Vilda’s side failed to win their group. A 2-0 defeat by Germany on matchday two in effect condemned Spain to second spot at best, thus setting in motion an early clash with the host nation.

La Roja confirmed their place in the knockout phase with a 1-0 victory over Denmark on Saturday. It was a deserved win but one which was only secured when Marta Cardona found the net in the 90th minute.

Just as they did in the loss to Germany, Spain controlled possession and had more shots than their opponents. But they are still not as efficient in the final third as Vilda would like, and that may ultimately prove costly.

Fast start for England could prove crucial 

Spain have been slow starters at this tournament, with just two first-half goals in three matches – and both of those came against Finland, who took the lead in Milton Keynes with just 49 seconds on the clock. England, by contrast, have made the net bulge nine times before the interval.

With the home crowd behind them at the Falmer Stadium, Sarina Wiegman will encourage her side to start quickly here. As Finland showed, Spain can be vulnerable early on, while it sometimes takes them a while to get into their passing rhythm.

If England can edge ahead in the early stages, they will be able to adopt a contain-and-counter approach for the rest of the match. The hosts are 2.72 to hold what would be an important lead at half-time.

The Lionesses take on Spain in Brighton, and will be hoping to move one step closer to the Wembley final

Clinical edge can help hosts march on 

The game may open up after the interval, especially if Spain are chasing a goal. They will look to keep the ball away from England for long periods and hope that Wiegman’s side grow frustrated and start to commit errors by being too hasty. The second half is likelier to be higher-scoring than the first, so consider over 1.5 goals after the break at 2.16.

Ultimately, though, England’s firepower – together with home advantage – should help them see off the pre-tournament favourites. Beth Mead alone has scored as many goals at Euro 2022 as Spain, who still struggle to turn possession into clear-cut chances.

Vilda’s team should not be underestimated, and the longer the match remains 0-0, the better chance they will have of victory. But if England can make a fast start, they will be well positioned to hold Spain off. Back the Lionesses at 2.08.

Recommended bets

England half-time @ 2.72

Over 1.5 goals second half @ 2.16

England @ 2.08