The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to a close Sunday (on FOX and the FOX Sports app) with a thrilling matchup between Spain and England at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. A first-time champion will be crowned Sunday — something that hasn’t happened since 2011 — no matter which team wins.
England midfielder — and one of the breakout stars of the tournament’s group stage — Lauren James, who was eligible to return for the final after serving a two-game suspension, was left out of the Lionesses’ starting lineup.
On the other side, Spain’s two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who has spent most of her tournament waiting in the wings, will also begin the game on the bench. Instead, 19-year-old breakout star Salma Paralluelo will start after coming off the bench — and scoring — in the last two matches.
Follow our live coverage below, featuring analysis from FOX Sports’ Michael Cohen!
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Starting lineups
England manager Sarina Wiegman is rolling with the same lineup she used in the Lionesses’ quarterfinal and semifinal victories, meaning 23-year-old attacking midfielder Ella Toone got the nod again Sunday over James, who had scored or assisted on six of England’s 14 goals at this tournament thus far.
[Related: England star Lauren James will not start in first game back from suspension]
Setting the stage
FOX Sports lead soccer analyst Alexis Lalas and the rest of the World Cup crew previewed the match on social media.
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.
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