Jenni Hermoso V Alex Greenwood
England defender Alex Greenwood is having a terrific campaign and has shown just why she is considered one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the world. Her impeccable passing range acts as a catalyst for her team’s attacks and she is capable of pinging pinpoint balls over the top to set the Lionesses’ forwards free. England’s new five-at-the-back formation allows her to progress the ball even more regularly – but what will happen when she is faced by a relentless attacker who defends from the front?
Jenni Hermoso’s tournament can be defined by the ground she has covered thus far. The 33-year-old has ran a total distance of 67.43km and she will chase down every ball and cover every blade of grass to help her team win. She is also capable of delivering vital goals and providing assists, so the likes of Greenwood will need to be eagle-eyed to ensure Hermoso doesn’t peel off into space where she can threaten in the final third.
ONA BATLLE V LAUREN HEMP
For the past few years, fans have enjoyed watching Batlle and Hemp go head-to-head for respective clubs Manchester United and Manchester City in the Women’s Super League. With Batlle moving to Barcelona in the summer, however, this may be the last time we see them duel for a while.
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Hemp’s pace and quick feet make her one of the most exciting wingers in the world, but she’ll be up against a player who is among the game’s best right-backs. Batlle is an outstanding one-on-one defender and Hemp will need to be at her best to come out on top in this intriguing contest.
TERESA ABELLEIRA V KEIRA WALSH
After being taken off on a stretcher against Denmark, there were fears Keira Walsh’s tournament might have been over. The midfielder soon bounced back, though, and has been instrumental in their route to the final with her dominance in the middle of the park. She reads play exceptionally well, breaking up opposition attacks while being able to pick a pass from anywhere on the pitch.
Walsh will need to be on top form to keep her fellow midfielder Teresa Abelleira quiet, however. The Real Madrid star has been a key cog in a well-oiled Spanish machine, helping them dictate the tempo of matches with her excellent passing. She is particularly adept at delivering dangerous balls into the box from wide areas and has provided more crosses (51) than any other Spain player at the tournament.