England look to prolong Argentina’s European nightmare at Women’s World Cup

Argentina haven’t had the best of experiences against European opposition – or any opposition – at the Women’s World Cup in the past, and England are aiming to make sure that continues.

Having edged past Scotland in their opening game, Phil Neville’s Lionesses will be looking to extend their lead at the top of Group D with a move convincing victory over Argentina.

And if history is anything to go by, the South Americans will be dreading the encounter.

Argentina’s World Cup woes

Argentina have come up against European countries on three occasions at the Women’s World Cup. They have conceded at least six goals in each those games, scoring just twice.

One of those matches came against England in the 2007 group stages. The Lionesses ran out 6-1 winners thanks in part to a Kelly Smith brace.

Four years before that, Argentina lost 6-1 to Germany in the group stages just seven days after shipping six against Japan. Things got worse in 2007 when Germany put 11 past Argentina, who simply haven’t been able to deal with their European counterparts at the tournament.

South American opposition suits England

Making things even more difficult for Argentina is the fact England have a 100% record against South American teams.

Having beaten Friday’s opponents by a five-goal margin 12 years ago, England scraped past Colombia with a 2-1 victory in 2015.

The Lionesses will be confident of maintaining that 100% record against South American nations, although Argentina proved they are made of slightly sterner stuff these days by holding Japan to a goalless draw in their opener to earn their first ever World Cup point.

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Jill Scott to make history?

Despite the performance tailing off in the second half, there is a good chance Neville will go with the same line-up that beat Scotland on Sunday, unless the manager decides to re-introduce forward Toni Duggan.

Predicted England XI: Bardsley; Bronze, Houghton, Bright, Greenwood; Walsh; Parris, Scott, Kirby, Mead; White.

Jill Scott has the chance to make England history. If she finds the net, the midfielder will become just the second player to score in three different editions of the Women’s World Cup for the Lionesses, after Fara Williams.

Scott already broke a record against Scotland by making her 15th World Cup appearances, which is more than any other England player.

When is England v Argentina?

Competition: Women’s World Cup

Venue: Stade Océane

Date: Friday, 14 June

Kick-off: 8pm BST

UK TV channel: BBC One