Unlike the Tournoi de France, the SheBelieves Cup will head into the last stage of its competition without a winner. The USWNT leads with six points and a three-goal differential after defeating England 2-0 and Spain 1-0. Spain and England have both beaten Japan and they enter their final game against one another wit three points apiece. And will hope to leave the competition with at least one draw to the World Champions.
England vs Spain: Preview, head-to-head, players to watch and broadcast info
England and Spain will step on the Toyota Stadium's pitch in Dallas this Wednesday with a common goal in their minds, win by a large margin, and hope that Japan takes down the USWNT after.
Jorge Vilda's Spain came into this tournament as the only team outside of the top-10 of the Women's World Rankings in SheBelieves Cup history. Nonetheless, they have displayed some of the best football seen in the competition up to this point. Spain defeated Japan 3-1 to open-up the tournament and followed it up with a dominant performance against the U.S. Unfortunately for the European nation, an astonishing 87th minute Julie Ertz header from a set-piece ended in a loss for the Spanish.
Phil Neville cannot go more than two games in a tournament without catching media attention. This time, his message was to respect Ellen White and his decision to start her. Critics have argued that Beth England, who is the joint top scorer of the FA Women's Super League, should start over the 30-year-old. Well, England started against Japan and the change was not noticed. England has not played to its level and it is not because of the striker options, but the injuries within the squad. Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead, Karen Bardsley, Aoife Mannion and Fran Kirby did not travel to the U.S. due to injuries.
Head-to-head
England has been the best out of the two sides accumulating a 5W-2D-1L record since 2007. Spain's only win came in the shape of a UEFA Women's Championship group stage match in 2013.
Players to watch
Ellen White – England
White was subbed and rescued England amid an afternoon filled with ineffective finishing. Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Georgia Stanway and England had trouble finishing despite getting clear chances. White is the most experimented forward that Neville has at hand and will most likely rely on her against Spain.
Jenni Hermoso – Spain
Jenni Hermoso is probably one of the most underrated players on the planet. It is a bit difficult to like her style at first sight, but you can appreciate her style the more you see her play. Standing at 5'9", Hermoso might seem like a poacher who looks to get in good positions in the box, which she is. But she also loves to drop back into midfield and help her team with buildup. Keep an eye out for her and the performance she will put up on Wednesday.
Broadcast information
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.Match details, result and original broadcast info
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
USWNT vs Japan: Preview, head-to-head, players to watch and broadcast info
Vlatko Andonovski's USA team has been doing what it does best, win at all costs. Everyone knew the competition at the SheBelieves Cup was going to be better than the Concacaf Women's Olympic qualifying tournament. Anyhow, the USWNT has not conceded a goal in this competition either and has won both its matches. The U.S. bites with fangs that release venom into their opponents and that was the case against England. Two back-to-back goals sealed the game for the Americans in the second half. As for their match against Spain, the Stars and Stripes managed to get the winner late showing persistence and fight. A win or draw will secure the third trophy for the U.S.
As for Asako Takakura's Japan, it might be time to do something with that possession in the final third. Japan tends to dominate matches, but they lack the goals. If it was not for Mana Iwabuchi's wonder goal against Spain, the Nadeshiko would have no goals up to this point. The Japanese should be fine if they keep possession keeping four defenders in the back to help with USA's counters.
Head-to-head
The USWNT and Japan have faced one-another 17 times since 1991. The Americans lead the all-time record with 11W-4D-2L. Japan's two wins took place at the 2011 FIFA WWC final and the 2012 Algarve Cup.
The last time these sides met was at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup where the Nadeshiko managed a draw with the Stars and Stripes.
Players to watch
Alyssa Naeher – USWNT
Naeher has not seen a ball clash against the back of her net since a 3-2 friendly win over Sweden in July 2019. The USWNT needs to keep that going if they're looking to secure the SheBelieves Cup. A strong performance from Naeher at the frame will be monumental for the team.
Mana Iwabuchi – Japan
Iwabuchi's #10 role is the most important in attack for the Nadeshiko. Therefore, the ball must be given to her in order to create more chances. Her goal against Spain was a great example of what she can do behind the #9. If she has space, she will create.
Broadcast information
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.Match details, result and original broadcast info
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
