±«Óãtv

• Bringing FIFA World Cup 2023 to you, the ±«Óãtv is the only destination for 24/7 coverage across ±«Óãtv One, ±«Óãtv Two, ±«Óãtv iPlayer, ±«Óãtv Sounds and the ±«Óãtv Sport App
• England v Denmark, key round of 16 fixtures and both World Cup semi-finals all exclusively live on the ±«Óãtv, alongside the World Cup final on August 20
• 33 games live across TV and online, alongside live text commentary and video highlights of all 64 matches
• Alongside world class presenters Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Reshmin Chowdhury, an unrivalled line-up of experts include Euro 2022 winner Ellen White, former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton and England’s most-capped player, Fara Williams
• The star-studded team includes Laura Georges, Anita Asante, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Scott Booth and Arsenal head coach, Jonas Eidevall
• Live commentary of all England games and other key matches available on ±«Óãtv Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and ±«Óãtv Sounds
• A World Cup takeover of 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, available daily on ±«Óãtv Sounds, from 17 July

As England prepare for FIFA World Cup 2023, the ±«Óãtv is set to bring fans 24/7 access to all the action, analysis and entertainment across TV, iPlayer, Radio, Sounds and Online.

With 33 live games on ±«Óãtv TV and iPlayer, alongside coverage of the key games on ±«Óãtv Radio 5 Live and ±«Óãtv Sounds, football fans can enjoy the Australia and New Zealand Women’s World Cup wherever they are.

Alongside live match coverage, the ±«Óãtv will also present an expansive offering of daily highlights, podcasts and other content throughout the tournament.

Barbara Slater, Director of ±«Óãtv Sport, says: “Having shown every Women’s World Cup on the ±«Óãtv since 1999, we were very happy to extend our partnership with FIFA for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand. The growth of the women’s game has been extraordinary, demonstrated by the vast numbers who watched our coverage of the Euros last year.

"United across television, radio and online, the ±«Óãtv is now preparing to deliver fans an unrivalled package of live match coverage, highlights, analysis and digital content. Fans can enjoy exclusive live coverage of England’s crucial group game against Denmark, the key round of 16 games and both World Cup semi-finals. The matches will be brought to you by an outstanding squad of the best presenters, experts and ex-players, including a number of legendary Lionesses.”

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±«Óãtv Sport’s 2023 World Cup squad

Gabby Logan, Reshmin Chowdhury and Alex Scott, who will also work as a pundit, will lead ±«Óãtv coverage across TV and iPlayer, while Juliette Ferrington and Vicki Sparks lead ±«Óãtv Radio 5 Live’s team in Australia.

±«Óãtv Sport coverage will host a mix of current and former greats of the English game.

Euro 2022 winner Ellen White, former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton and England’s most-capped player, Fara Williams, will all provide expert analysis throughout the tournament. With over 230 caps between them, England legends Rachel Brown-Finnis, Anita Asante and Karen Bardsley will also return to the ±«Óãtv’s live coverage of international football.

Our Lionesses will be joined by France great Laura Georges, Arsenal Head Coach Jonas Eidevall and Lewes Head Coach Scott Booth.

Leading the commentary across all platforms are Robyn Cowen, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Jonathan Pearce, Vicki Sparks and Karen Bardsley. Other members of the team include Connor McNamara and Steven Wyeth.

Jo Currie (TV), Juliette Ferrington (radio) and Emma Sanders (±«Óãtv Sport Online) will lead as England camp reporters.

For Sports News, correspondents Katie Gornall and Jane Dougall will be covering England, as well as the picks of other key fixtures. Viewers can keep across the latest World Cup news updates via Sportsday on the ±«Óãtv News Channel, as well as within reports and news bulletins on ±«Óãtv One’s ±«Óãtv Breakfast, News at One, News at Six and News at Ten programmes.

Ahead of the big kick-off, members of our punditry and commentary teams shared their thoughts, tips and predictions for the tournament...

Ellen White

Can England win it?

I’m going to be backing England all the way. For this tournament, we know what it feels like to win. We won the Euros and so we know what that takes and what it looks like. I know the team looks a little bit different from the Euros win, but I feel like this team still has that experience of winning. It’s really exciting for them and a different challenge, but I’m backing them all the way.

Who are England’s biggest threats?

Obviously, I’m going to say England will lift the trophy! But if I’m going to say a number of favourites, I’d probably say USA. They’re proven winners. Then you’ve got to look at Germany. They reached the final of the Euros and they’ve got some great players, some great talent. It could potentially be France’s year as well, and then obviously the co-hosts too. Australia have got the home crowd to really support them. We felt that in the Euros, they really pushed us on, so I think that secures their place as favourites as well.

Who are your dark horses for the tournament?

France are quite frustrating. They’ve got unbelievable talent and they should be winning a major tournament. But with that talent, and galvanised by their new manager, they could really progress and do really well. Canada are also Olympic Champions and perhaps haven’t progressed as they’d have liked in a World Cup - they’ll be an exciting one to watch as well.

Who do you back to be top scorer?

It’s got to be one of the England players. I think it would be amazing to have an England player as top scorer in back to back tournaments. If it’s Rach Daley, Alessia Russo, Beth England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly… I don’t mind! It could be any of them! But other teams, it could be Alexandra Popp, Sam Kerr as well. They’re great talents and proven in the league as well.

What team and player are you most excited to watch away from England?

I like the way Germany play and I would love to see Popp do well again. Norway’s Greitan is a great player so excited to see her and I’m sure Norway would like some redemption for their performance at the Euros.

Do you think we’ll see a breakthrough player this tournament? If so, who?

Well, we’ve got an amazing talent in Lauren James. We saw Chloe Kelly score the winner in the final of the Euros and she’s getting a lot more minutes now for England. For the USA, there’s Sophia Smith - she’s an unbelievable player. I’m mainly looking forward to watching teams that I haven’t watched before, and seeing the players they’ve got and what they can do in the group stages. Honestly, a fan, really. I’m just excited to watch the players and see them shine out there.

Some of the games are on early in the morning. Do you have any tips for getting up early to watch them?!

The England games are at a decent time here so I’m hoping it won’t be a struggle for people. For those England games kicking off in the morning, I’d say get all your snacks ready the night before, have an early night, watch the games and have a lot of fun watching them! Some of the other games, earlier in the morning, will be great for people getting in late!

Steph Houghton

Who are you tipping to win the World Cup?

England are right up there for me as favourites. I really do think we have as good a chance as anyone. After England, I think Australia have a really decent team and have the benefit of a home crowd behind them. They’ve definitely got a shot at winning it.

Who are the biggest threats to England?

As I’ve said, Australia have a really good side and they have that added benefit of being home nation with their supporters behind them. The Australian stadiums will be full and their fans will be able to lift them in the key moments. They will prove a really difficult challenge for England if we end up facing them.

Which rising stars do you think will shine?

The USA have some brilliant young players and I could see many of them lighting up this World Cup. It’s hard to pick one of their players, because they have so many top talents, but I really like Sophia Smith. She’s been incredible recently and is clearly bursting full of confidence. She’ll cause problems for whoever she comes up against.

Who are your picks for players of the tournament?

Sam Kerr, Alexandra Popp and Chloe Kelly. These are three top players who could do something really special this summer.

Who are the dark horses?

France have a really good side and their manager Hervé Renard comes with a strong CV. I could see them going very far and potentially challenging for the World Cup this year.

Who do you back to be top scorer?

Sam Kerr.

Some of the games are on early in the morning. Do you have any tips for getting up early to watch them?!

Go to bed early the night before, get yourself a coffee in the morning and get comfy to watch the ±«Óãtv’s coverage!

Fara Williams

What should we look forward to this World Cup?

I think we’ll get to watch a lot of real, top quality players. The growth of the game over the last few years has been unbelievable - it’s sky rocketed. In terms of the competitiveness, the skill level, it’s going to be the best World Cup yet.

Can England win it?

Well, they’re European Champions for starters. They’re certainly one of the favourites. They’ve had a few injuries, yes, but Sarina Wiegman is one of the best managers in the World. I think we’ll get to the Semi-Final.

Who are you tipping to win the World Cup?

It’s a really difficult one. I keep changing my mind. One minute it’s Australia, before the injuries I thought it would be England, and now I’m going with Germany! I think they were really close last year with the Euros and they really pushed England. It’s an even stronger Germany team this year and in competitions like this, they’re normally very good. Having been there and played against them, they usually turn up, so I’m going with them.

Who do you back to be top scorer?

I think the top goal scorer will be Sam Kerr or maybe Alexandra Popp. Sam Kerr has that added benefit of going into the tournament with home fans behind her in a decent Australia side.

Who are your dark horses for the tournament?

The dark horse in this tournament is France. I say ‘dark horses’, but they are a talented, talented group of players. Every year, we expect them to go far and even win it, and they never have. But this new manager has been great for them in terms of the transition. He’s brought some older players back into the squad just to get that balance right. Nobody is talking about them for once, but I think they have a great chance and could go all the way.

Do you think we’ll see a breakthrough player this tournament? If so, who?

If I’m going to go with England, the obvious player would be Lauren James, but I really like Jule Brand of Germany. She’s a 19 year old wide-attacking player who plays for Wolfsburg. She is a phenomenal talent and if she’s given the opportunity, I think she’ll be really exciting to watch.

Some of the games are on early in the morning. Do you have any tips for getting up early to watch them?!

For football fans, it doesn’t matter what time it is! We get up when there’s football on. Regardless of the time, get yourself up and watch the game. We don’t worry about times when it comes to football.

Vicki Sparks

How far will England go?

Despite the absence of captain Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, who was the player of the tournament at the European Championship last summer, England still have the potential to go all the way. Not facing the USA until the final (due to the draw) is a definite boost, but their route through the knockout stages could be a challenging one which they'll need to be at their best to navigate successfully.

Who are the biggest threats to England?

Hosts Australia are potential last 16 opponents, and were the side who ended England's record unbeaten run under Sarina Weigman in April. The Lionesses could face a re-run of the European Championship final with Germany in the quarter-finals - but the stand-out side are, without a doubt, the USA, who are bidding to win their third World Cup in a row. England did beat them in their last encounter, though - but to shatter that air of invincibility in a major tournament final would be one of the greatest achievements in English football.

Who do you back to be top scorer?

Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith are two to watch for the USA, who expect to reach the final and are capable of racking up huge scorelines against smaller teams. Chelsea's Sam Kerr will relish her superstar role on home soil, but her prospects depend on how deep Australia go into the tournament. As for England, either Rachel Daly or Alessia Russo could be a serious contender - depending on who Sarina Wiegman picks as the Lionesses' number 9.

Any tips for getting up early to watch the games?!

Thankfully, kick off times for England matches aren't too bad, with 9.30am the earliest kick off in the group stage for the Lionesses. Make yourself a good breakfast, grab a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy!

Anita Asante

Can England win it?

England can win it if they have the belief and play up to their potential as a team. Prior to the recent injuries, they were probably considered favourites. The road to the final is a challenging one, especially given they could meet Germany in the quarter-finals and the hosts, Australia, in the semi-finals.

Who is your dark horse for the tournament?

I think the dark horses are France. They’ve underachieved in many previous tournaments, but perhaps in acquiring an experienced international manager in Herve Renard, they will feel that this is their time.

Which player are you most excited to watch this tournament?

The player I’m most excited to watch is the USA striker, Trinity Rodman. She is a top player.

Do you have a breakthrough star to watch going into this World Cup?

There will be probably a few breakthrough players this tournament. The one I would really like to highlight is Athenea del Castillo from Spain. She is such an exciting winger. She showed glimpses of how threatening she can be in attack at the Arnold Clark Cup tournament.

Jonas Eideval

Who will win the World Cup?

I’m backing England to win it. Why not? Despite some injuries and a lot of discussion about those injuries, they remain one of the best teams in world football. They have got superb players, a great manager and don’t forget, they go into this tournament as Champions of Europe. I think they have a good chance of going one step further and becoming world champions.

Biggest threat to England?

I think to face home nation Australia in the knock-out phase will be a huge test. They’re a really good side and, as England felt in the European Championships, home advantage can really play a big role on the biggest international stages. Of course, the tests wouldn’t stop there - they would then probably have to face France or Germany in a potential Semi-Final - it’s not an easy route to the final.

Any rising stars to watch out for?

There is a reason the USA are considered favourites by so many. They have a really good team with some excellent young talent. I’m going to name three American players here, as I think there’s a real chance we see each of them shine from the very beginning until the end: Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson.

Who do you think could be player of the tournament?

Manchester City and England’s Lauren Hemp. On her day, there are very few better. She will be pivotal for England this tournament. If England do go far, as I back them to, I think she could stand out as a star of the World Cup.

Live match coverage

The tournament kicks-off on the ±«Óãtv, with live coverage of host nation New Zealand facing Norway in Auckland at 8am on 20 July.

England’s crucial second group stage game against Denmark (9.30am, 28 July) will also be live on the ±«Óãtv.

Throughout the rest of the group stages, the ±«Óãtv will feature games involving many of the world’s greatest sides, including France, Netherlands, Brazil, Australia and World Champions USA.

With first pick of the round of 16 stage, the ±«Óãtv will broadcast live coverage of England’s first knockout game if they make it past the group stages.

Later in the tournament, the ±«Óãtv is the only place you can watch both semi-finals. The World Cup final on Sunday 20 August will be live on ±«Óãtv One and ±«Óãtv iPlayer.

±«Óãtv Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and ±«Óãtv Sounds will provide live commentary of every England game, as well as Republic of Ireland’s matches against Australia and Canada. 5 Live will cover key matches throughout the tournament, including both semi-finals and the final. Juliette Ferrington, Vicki Sparks and Karen Bardsley will cover England games for 5 Live.

Podcasts and additional programming

Available on ±«Óãtv Sounds, 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast will focus on the World Cup every day from Monday 17 July. The podcast will feature match reaction from Down Under, insight from inside the England camp and the biggest names from the women’s game, including Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Fran Kirby.

Also on ±«Óãtv Sounds, Jill Scott’s Coffee Club will feature a host of Lionesses as you’ve never heard them before. Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and England head coach Sarina Wiegman are all guests in the second series of the popular podcast.

Alongside its unrivalled radio commentary, 5 Live Sport will feature regular World Cup programmes and report daily from the England camp. The coverage kicks-off on Monday 17 July with Gabby Logan hosting the Ultimate World Cup Preview show, available on ±«Óãtv Sounds. Ellen White, Steph Houghton, Fran Kirby and Karen Bardsley will be part of the 5 Live team throughout the tournament.

And fans can again have their say with Ellen White joining the 606 team to co-host the UK’s biggest football phone-in.

At 10.40pm on Wednesday 19 July, fans can indulge in their World Cup excitement with a special a preview programme airing on ±«Óãtv One. Once the World Cup kicks-off, highlights from all 64 World Cup games will air in regular shows on ±«Óãtv Three and ±«Óãtv Two.

Online

• Don’t miss a minute through the ±«Óãtv Sport App
• Listen anywhere on ±«Óãtv Sounds
• Watch on the go on ±«Óãtv iPlayer

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coverage will be available on the ±«Óãtv Sport app for mobile and tablet and online at and

All 33 ±«Óãtv live matches will be streamed on iPlayer and the ±«Óãtv Sport website and app. There will also be shortform highlights of all 64 matches available to watch at full-time.

±«Óãtv Sport’s industry-leading live match pages will have in-play clips for all ±«Óãtv TV matches, as well as our ever-popular live text commentary.

As well as providing audiences with the best live match coverage, highlights, reaction and news, ±«Óãtv Sport’s digital services will be home to an array of ways to engage with the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Throughout the tournament, fans can also expect an array of high-quality content to read and watch.

As well as match previews, reports, reaction and breaking news, other editorial highlights include:

• Columns from former Lionesses - ex-England players Ellen White and Karen Bardsley will give their insight and analysis of this summer’s tournament
• In-depth profiles of stars of the tournament including Australia’s talismanic striker Sam Kerr and England’s Euro 2022 matchwinner Chloe Kelly
• An in-depth look at goalkeeper Mary Earps’ career journey
• Ella Toone and Alessia Russo cope in an Escape Room experience
• Lucy Bronze dishing the dirt on her team-mates
• Guides to all the teams at the World Cup - everything you need to know about the countries competing in Australia and New Zealand
• Groups and schedules tracker for all the fixtures, results and tables
• Vintage video - ±«Óãtv Sport will dip into the archives to relive some of the most iconic moments from previous FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Ahead of, and throughout the tournament, ±«Óãtv Sport will provide daily updates from Australia and New Zealand, as well as features with the England players, families and the fans.

Fancy yourself as a national team boss? England supporters can pick their preferred starting line-ups for each game via the ±«Óãtv Sport website and app, easily comparing and sharing via social media.

For every match, fans have the opportunity to rate every player out of 10 through an interactive second-screen experience on the ±«Óãtv Sport app. Submit and share your ratings with friends and see what the rest of the world thinks. ±«Óãtv Sport will use the ratings to help pick our Team of the Tournament.

±«Óãtv Sport Northern Ireland is also providing coverage of the Republic of Ireland’s FIFA Women’s World Cup debut.

Social media

The ±«Óãtv will showcase all the must-see moments on social media, including behind-the-scenes content and expert punditry.

±«Óãtv Sport’s YouTube channel will feature highlights of every game, while Facebook will deliver a mix of news stories, imagery and video - including match action - to followers. Twitter will be the best place to tune in for in-play updates and breaking news.

All the biggest moments - as well as the lighter side of the World Cup - will be delivered on TikTok, Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels.

5 Live Sport will be home to bespoke digital content straight from within the England camp.

Group stage TV schedule