India’s attacking variety has been a major feature of their campaign. Six players scored in the South Africa game, with Deepika and Navneet Kaur already having two goals each. Lalremsiami and Sunelita Toppo have also added pace and penetration, giving India multiple attacking options. Defensively, Sushila Chanu has helped bring greater stability, while Bichu Devi and veteran goalkeeper Savita Punia have provided confidence at the back.
England will offer a sterner test. They defeated India 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers in Hyderabad earlier this year and have shown their attacking potential with a 4-0 win over South Africa. They did, however, lose 2-4 to China.
Coach Sjoerd Marijne has warned India against complacency and called for better passing and receiving. Savita, meanwhile, has set her sights beyond qualification, saying India want to go one step further than their Tokyo Olympics fourth-place finish and challenge for a World Cup podium.
