England vs Spain – A thrilling midfield duel, Rachel Daly’s duel with a Spanish star and can Lauren Hemp cause more chaos? The key battles that could decide the World Cup final

England will look to make history on Sunday when the Lionesses take on Spain in the World Cup final.

Victory over co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals was the latest obstacle Sarina Wiegman’s side overcame in an eventful tournament for the English side.

They have prevailed against tricky opponents, coming from behind when necessary, fighting through after being sent off with ten players and even winning a penalty shoot-out in the process.

In the final friendly, England will now face Spain, who surprised many by reaching the final.

Here, Mail Sport looks at three key battles where the final can be won or lost.

The Lionesses are hoping to celebrate by beating Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final

Georgia Stanway vs. Aitana Bonmati

Barcelona midfielder Bonmati is Spain’s creative spark and will look to dictate the game in midfield. It’s up to Stanway to stop them from playing.

Spain are at their best when Bonmati is on the ball and setting the pace. It is therefore up to England’s midfielders, and Stanway in particular, to ensure their impact on the game is limited.

The Lionesses need to ensure Bommati isn’t given the time and space to put things into action but also ensure the 25-year-old has the ability to go forward and score herself.

The midfield battle between Barcelona’s Bonmati (right) and Bayern’s Stanway will be crucial

Rachel Daly vs Alba Redondo

Redondo was the Spanish league’s top scorer last season and will look to exploit England’s left flank. Daly (left) has performed well as a full-back but it wasn’t until she saw Athenea del Castillo perform well against Spain at Euro 2022.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Spain tried to get the ball as far as possible to Redondo, 26, because she’ll think she’s hit Daly.

Daly has the protection of an extra centre-back at his back but needs to stay disciplined.

England’s left flank could be an area for Spain to exploit in the final, with Redondo a major threat

Lauren Hemp vs. Laia Codina

Hemp has been England’s top player of late and will look to start behind Spain’s centre-back. The 23-year-old Codina did not start in any of Spain’s group games but was brought into the squad after a 4-0 defeat by Japan.

She has started every knockout game and will join Arsenal from Barcelona next season.

Codina is slower than centre-back Irene Paredes and Hemp will try to use her speed to cause problems.

Lauren Hemp has gotten better with every game and will look to continue her form in the finals