FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023-England to clash with Spain

European champions England will take on Spain in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at Stadium Australia at Sydney later on Sunday.

England have the opportunity to create history for the second time in just over a year as they look to claim the title for the first time, as well as become the first England team since 1966 to win a senior final on the world stage.

Standing in their way is a Spain side also playing in their maiden final, with some 75,000 fans expected at Stadium Australia.

The winners will become the fifth different nation to be crowned world champions in the ninth edition of the tournament. The United States (four times), Germany (two times), Norway and Japan are the only other winners.

"Everyone's talking about 1966, so let's be at our best on Sunday and try and be successful," said England manager Sarina Wiegman.

"Making a final is special but with this team and the challenges we had, how we find a way all the time to solve problems has been amazing - [it's] very special being in a final but now we want to win it too."

While England's path to the Euro 2022 crown was fairly serene, their journey to the World Cup final has not been smooth. They lost three stars of that triumph to knee injuries prior to this tournament - Leah Williamson,

Beth Mead and Fran Kirby - while they have also been tested in Australia, losing key players Keira Walsh and Lauren James to injury and suspension respectively and coming through a penalty shootout against Nigeria.

Captain Millie Bright, who was given the armband for the World Cup after the injury to Williamson, said: "It's a dream come true to be in the World Cup final. Leading the girls out is a special feeling.

Against a backdrop of unrest, disharmony, and a 4-0 defeat by Japan in the group stage, it is remarkable that Spain, who are ranked sixth in the world - two places below England - have managed to reach the final.