Bardsley: Lionesses must keep cool in 'hostile' Aussie atmosphere

Karen Bardsley has warned England to expect a "hostile" atmosphere in their Women's World Cup semi-final showdown with Australia on Wednesday.

Former Lionesses goalkeeper Bardsley, 38, has first-hand experience of facing a host nation in a knockout game and knows Sarina Wiegman's side will have their mettle tested under the lights in Sydney. 

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the 82-cap international explained: "At the 2015 World Cup in Canada we played against the hosts in the quarter-finals and it was hostile. 

"Though we eventually prevailed, the noise from their fans was so loud it made it difficult to think straight, which was a relatively new experience for me.

"Of course, these girls are more accustomed to it. They play in front of huge crowds and in huge stadiums often in the WSL.

"The Lionesses have shown they can handle almost any challenge. But it will be a tough evening, no doubt."

Culture shift

Having taken in the tournament Down Under, Bardsley has been thrilled to witness how quickly interest and support has snowballed for the hosts.

She explained: "At the start, it was all pretty quiet but now, there's a hyperfocus. 

"It's all over the papers, everyone's talking about it and there are Matildas shirts everywhere. 

"It's been a real culture shift. AFL [Australian Football League] games are being postponed, or people are staying back in the stadiums to watch the Matildas play, which is amazing.

"For the girls playing, all that could be overwhelming and they have to keep their emotions in check — which they've done well so far.

"Players like Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso have all stepped in big moments. Add in the return of Sam Kerr and it's a pretty frightening concept for England!"

Kerr dilemma

Chelsea star Kerr was expected to be the star of this summer's showpiece but has so far seen her home tournament blighted by injury.

After playing no part in the group stage, two cameos against Denmark and France suggest the 29-year-old Aussie is in line to start against England — though Bardsley is not so sure.

The legendary stopper explained: "I don't think Sam has to start. 

"Her role hasn't been what she'd intended it to be but when she comes off the bench, she makes an instant impact.

"Both on and off the ball, she destabilises defences with her runs and find yourself constantly keeping an eye on her. It gives her team-mates and the crowd a huge lift.

"But if you look at Australia's tournament as a whole, they've done pretty well without her and it's bolstered their confidence. Other players have stepped up.

"She'll be desperate to start but I wouldn't be surprised either way."

Roar to glory

Californian-born Bardsley hopes her adopted nation can go one step further than she and her team-mates managed in 2015 and reach a first World Cup final.

However, she admits Wednesday's clash is almost too close to call.

Bardsley concluded: "It's so difficult. The host nation is such a wildcard but deep down, I see England getting through.

"They need to manage the key moments well and I think set-pieces could have a huge part to play. We haven't seen the best of the Lionesses in that regard yet.

"I just hope it can be done inside 90 minutes and we don't need extra-time and penalties!"

Karen Bardsley is part of BBC Sport’s World Cup punditry team. Follow both semi-finals and the final across BBC TV, iPlayer, Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.