Preview: USWNT take on the Lionesses once again this year

The U.S. Women's National Team are looking to go back to their third-straight FIFA Women's World Cup final. One team stands in their way: England.

Preview (July 2, 2019) — Everyone expected the quarterfinal game to happen, but this semifinal was a shock. How can you call the U.S. Women’s National Team making it to yet another semifinal a shock? The victory over France wasn’t the most set-in-stone match the USWNT featured in.

France is the host nation of the tournament and beat the United States back in January. However, in the span of six months, something clicked for the United States and not France. Once again, Megan Rapinoe notched a brace at this year’s World Cup. Wendie Renard scored for France, but it wasn’t enough.

We know the story by now.

And now, it’s time to open a new chapter. England awaits the United States today. They met before earlier this year, in the SheBelieves Cup back in March.

However, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. England looked dominant throughout, while the United States certainly had their chances. England ended up winning the entire tournament on U.S. soil.

What needs to happen today for the USWNT to make it back to their third-straight FIFA Women’s World Cup final? Meanwhile, what does England need to do to make it to their first-ever final?

Let’s find out.

Don't mind us, we're just dropping these photos of the stadium in Lyon into your timeline 🏟️🇫🇷#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/eNvfYeDp5h

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 1, 2019

USWNT: Keep White contained, but don’t forget Parris

Ellen White has put on a clinic during the World Cup.

While there’s chatter about how Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Sam Kerr have scored five goals, the chatter has forgotten one person. White is in that category, too. She has scored five goals against four different opponents. White scored in both knockout round matches and in two out of the three group stage matches.

All eyes will be on defending White and keeping her contained. However, the USWNT defense — which usually consists of Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Kelley O’Hara and Crystal Dunn — should also keep a sharp eye on Nikita Parris.

She hasn’t been scored five goals this tournament, but Parris helps build up plays and creates chances. She scored once in this tournament, against Scotland. However, she’ll be eyeing the United States goal to add another to her tally.

Another player to watch out for is Jodie Taylor.

She likely won’t start, but the Reign FC striker has been lethal when entering matches. She scored the game-winning goal against Argentina, which was her first goal for England in over a year.

Without you, we wouldn't be where we are now.
We want to say THANK YOU 🌠#Lionesses pic.twitter.com/NIfu9KlnYl

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 1, 2019

England: Watch out for Megan Rapinoe

What else can be said about Rapinoe that hasn’t been said already?

Rapinoe has become the icon and face of the USWNT. She has publicly spoken up and against the president, has scored wonder goals for the United States and continues to be a beacon of hope for those in the LGBTQ community. Rapinoe is not just some athlete that is having a good year.

She’s been consistent for the USWNT for a while now.

England’s defense is going to have their hands full with the entire front three, but especially Rapinoe. It’s still a question mark to if Alex Morgan will play. She looked dazed after taking a header against France and there are rumors swirling she played with a concussion. However, we won’t officially know until lineups are out and ready to go.

No matter what, Rapinoe will start. She has been the catalyst of the USWNT offense and is looking to chase the Golden Boot. More than that, she wants another World Cup title.