Women's World Cup: Wednesday DFS Breakdown

England only need a draw against Japan on Wednesday to top Group D, a situation that would allow them to face either China, Chile or Cameroon in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Japan could finish first in Group D with a win, though they could also finish third if they lose and Argentina beat Scotland by more than one goal. England lost to Japan 2-1 in the semi-finals four years ago, though they dominated them 3-0 in the SheBelieves Cup earlier this season thanks to goals from Lucy Staniforth, Karen Carney and Bethany Mead. England is favored at +112 on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Japan is +265 to win, and we're not expecting a goal-fest in this one, with the over 2.5 goals sitting at +143 while the under is -186.

There is speculation that England could rotate a little because they have already qualified for the round of 16, and part of that speculation includes the addition to Toni Duggan, who missed the first two matches due to injury. At $7,700 on DraftKings, she makes for a decent option if she gets the start, though she could be very interesting at just $10 on FanDuel. But again, there is little expectation that there will be a ton of scoring in this game, so it may not be all that necessary to pay up for Nikita Parris, Ellen White or Mead. Or maybe we should pay up for them because scoring will be at a minimum and they'll be scoring the points. If we're not relying on goals, fullbacks Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze are the two highest-priced defenders on DraftKings, but with each having a partial role on set pieces, there are reasons they are expensive (Mead has also taken corners). Speaking of expensive defenders, Risa Shimizu is right behind the England duo, though she was a huge disappointment in their win over Scotland, finishing with just 3.75 fantasy points, including one cross.

Emi Nakajima was the better Japan attacker against Scotland, finishing with 10.75 floor points on DraftKings thanks to seven crosses and three shots. Her role on corners certainly helped, though it didn't do as much for Jun Endo, who took two corners but finished with just one cross. Yuika Sugasawa has been Japan's most consistent shooter, finding the back of the net against Scotland on one of her three shots, but at +400 to score Wednesday, she doesn't bring a load of confidence. Then again, Mana Iwabuchi has the best anytime goal scorer odds for Japan at +350, with Kumi Yokoyama at +370 and Endo at +380 (+300 is only a 25 percent chance). Meanwhile, White and Jodie Taylor lead England with +210 odds (32 percent) while Parris is +235 and Mead/Duggan +265. So, with not many goals expected to be scored, and no single player really expected to have a major impact, surely we can turn to the other match on the two game-slate, right?

Argentina are through to the round of 16 with a victory over Scotland, and while a win for the latter would likely get them to the knockout round, it's no guarantee. Either way, a draw will do neither side any good, which should theoretically open things up since you can't win if you don't score. Unfortunately, Argentina come in with zero goals scored this tournament, though they've been excellent defensively, allowing only one goal to England and shutting out Japan. Meanwhile, Scotland lost both of their matches 2-1, so at least they've put the ball in the back of the net.

Scotland is favored pretty heavily at -186 against Argentina's +520, and while the match has better odds of going over 2.5 than the England one at -108 v. +143, it's really not that big of a difference. Claire Emslie was excellent in Scotland's opening match, finishing with one goal on four shots (three on target) and four crosses, a performance that...landed her on the bench for the start of the Japan match, though she eventually came on for the last 30 minutes. Erin Cuthbert was solid against Japan, scoring 12.5 floor points on DraftKings, and she comes in with the best anytime goal scorer odds on the slate at +120 on bet365. Kim Little is close behind at +162, but you'll have to go all the way to +275 to get your first Argentina attacker, Sole Jaimes at +275. 

Argentina has been really strong defensively, but we can't let that overshadow the fact they took only five shots (one on target) against Japan and two (one on target) against England. Needless to say, it's tough to get excited about their goal upside. Additionally, they haven't taken a single corner in two games, they crossed five times against Japan and twice against England, and they conceded 71.5 percent possession and 75.5 percent to them, respectively. Now it's a little easier to see why Scotland are the biggest favorite on the slate despite losing both of their first two games.

Eliana Stabile has been their best fantasy scorer on DraftKings, but that also includes just 2.00 points against England. The previous match at least included three crosses, three tackles won and five interceptions, though $4,600 on Wednesday seems pricey. Estefania Banini, tabbed La Messi because she wears no. 10 and plays for Argentina (that's pretty much it), has been their best player, but until DraftKings or FanDuel starts giving credit for nutmegs, she's just not a high floor player, and her +375 odds to score don't scream for attention. Otherwise, we have a bunch of players who like to win tackles, or at least an Opta scorer who liked crediting them.