July is underway and so the Women’s World Cup will be commencing in just a couple of weeks. Four years ago, it was a second consecutive USWNT win on the biggest stage of all, but can they make it three in-a-row?
Two USWNT stars in the form of Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan scored six times in France but it was Lioness Ellen White who won the golden boot. White has since retired whilst the American duo are four years older and so we could see some new contenders come to the fore.
Here are the current odds for both the tournament winner and the golden boot winner too…
2023 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot Odds
- Sophia Smith -110
- Alex Morgan +220
- Beth England +650
- Alexia Putellas +1500
- Ada Hegerberg +2500
- Sam Kerr +2500
- Lauren Hemp +4000
- Klara Bühl +4000
- Eugénie Le Sommer +5000
- Kadidiatou Diani +5000
Golden Boot Favourites
Sophia Smith, -110
Sophia Smith is the favourite to clinch the Golden Boot which is remarkable considering that she hadn’t even made her debut by the time of the last World Cup. Her more experienced teammates will also be in with a shout- the USWNT roster is so talented that goals will surely come from all over the field. Smith has burn onto the scene with the Portland Thorns, helping them to the NWSL Championship last year.
Sophia Smith is coming for ALL the records 💪 pic.twitter.com/bOAveLCFlS
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 24, 2023
Alex Morgan, +220
From one American to another and if the USWNT win the World Cup once again, an experienced head like Alex Morgan will surely play a big role. To still be firing on all cylinders at 33 after some of the injuries she has suffered as well as giving birth just a few years ago is truly remarkable.
Beth England, +650
The Lionesses are being touted by many to go all the way yet the tip here for their top scorer is a bizarre one. Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly are the two names in the conversation to lead the line for Sarina Wiegman with Beth England likely to be an impact sub more than anything else. Money being placed one of the other two seems much safer in comparison to the Tottenham Hotspur forward.
Alexia Putellas, +1500
Enter the 2021 and 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. Disputes with the powers that be and even their manager has hampered the Spaniards in the last 12 months or so but the return to action of Putellas from her ACL tear serves as a major boost.
Alexia Putellas is back.
After spending a year out sidelined with injury the Ballon d’Or winner is back just in time for the World Cup.
This AP still glistens ✨ pic.twitter.com/sUHk6QyqF2
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) June 30, 2023
Ada Hegerberg, +2500
Onto another Ballon d’Or winner who has had her brilliance derailed by an ACL injury. Norway as something of a dark horse could prevent another USWNT win and Ada Hegerberg will surely be at the heart of that. The Lyon forward has a ridiculous record for her club and is the definition of leading from the front when donning the colours of her country.
Sam Kerr, +2500
Closing out the top six is Chelsea superstar Sam Kerr. Kerr and her fellow Australians will be playing on home soil and so will hope to make their advantage count. The Matilda’s’ magician knows a thing or two about scoring goals and with the likes of Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso on hand to assist her, she is well worth a bet.
Other names:
There are a trio of Americans who are just outside of the top ten, one of which is Megan Rapinoe. Alongside her is midfielder Rose Lavelle who scored the goal to see the USWNT win in the 2019 final and also youngster Trinity Rodman. This tournament really does boast a strong blend of youth and experience. Marta and Alexandra Popp are amongst those who fit into the latter category whilst Zambia’s Barbra Banda will be keen to pick up where she left off at the Tokyo Olympics.
Read More: LWOS’ Players to Watch at the 2023 Women’s World Cup
World Cup Winner Betting Odds
- USA Women 5/2
- England Women 7/2
- Spain Women 6/1
- Germany Women 7/1
- France Women 10/1
- Australia Women 11/1
- Sweden Women 16/1
- Netherlands Women 20/1
- Brazil Women 25/1
- Canada Women 33/1
- Japan Women 33/1
Can Anyone Prevent a Fifth USWNT Win?
It is hardly a surprise to see that the USWNT are being tipped as the favourites, but the Lionesses aren’t far behind. Beath Mead and Leah Williamson are just a couple of the players out injured for England which could prove fatal for Sarina Wiegman and co.
"We've got so many leaders in the group" 🙌
England captain Millie Bright has praised the culture of the squad ahead of the World Cup, as she prepares to stand in for Leah Williamson by taking the arm band for the tournament 💬#BBCFootball #FIFAWWC2023 pic.twitter.com/Aua9A55ltY
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 29, 2023
Spain and France are two of the teams to come next and they have both been overshadowed by their issues off of the field. We often hear talk of the importance of a positive atmosphere around a squad meaning that this European duo may be unpredictable.
Hosts Australia boast some intriguing odds as do the second and third-placed teams from France four years ago, the Netherlands and Sweden. Arsenal‘s Vivianne Miedema is another major casualty of the tournament- these injuries piling up is a shame as the beauty of a World Cup is seeing the elite talent on show from all corners of the world.
Will it be yet another USWNT win or can another country have their say down under?
Featured image credit: Jamie Smed, 12 June 2018.
