England Women v New Zealand: Betting preview, tips, when to watch

TV: BBC1, 1pm Saturday

England start their Women's World Cup campaign against Scotland in Nice next Sunday and they should be able to head across the Channel having claimed a comfortable victory in their final warm-up match against New Zealand.

Manager Phil Neville was unimpressed by the Lionesses' performance in the first half of their 2-0 victory over Denmark at Walsall last week.

However, their win was not greatly taxing and they will not face opposition of the calibre of the European Championship runners-up when they take the field at Brighton's Amex Stadium.

Unlike the Danes, New Zealand have claimed their place in the finals and will be pitched against Holland, Cameroon and Canada in Group E.

The Football Ferns eased through Oceania qualifying, scoring 43 goals and not conceding in five matches, but that form carries little credence as they prepare to face the team ranked third in the world.

New Zealand beat Norway in April, which was an eyebrow-raising result, but they have otherwise struggled against teams who are heading to this summer's tournament.

They have been defeated by two-goal margins by Australia, Japan, South Korea and Scotland in the last 18 months, but the USA put five past them two weeks ago and we could witness a dismantling on a similar level.

Neville has a host of striking options and having fielded Nikita Parris and Ellen White against Denmark, it would be no surprise to see Jodie Taylor or Fran Kirby given a run out.

Both should be eager to impress while the defence should also be boosted by a return for captain Steph Houghton.

The Lionesses are a strong squad and an Asian handicap line of -2.5 is attractive. They should be able to win by at least three goals.

Recommendation
England -2.5 on Asian handicap
3pts 9-10 bet365

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