LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 31: Mary Earps of England Lucy Bronze of England Rachel Daly of ... [+]
The 2023 Women’s World Cup, the ninth edition of the tournament, will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. England are among the favorites at the global showpiece event after their title victory at the European Championship last year.
Here are five England players to watch out for:
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Rachel Daly of Aston Villa poses for a photo after being awarded the ... [+]
The 31-year-old striker will head to the World Cup on the back of an excellent season with Aston Villa, having been voted Women’s Super League (WSL) Player of the Season for her 22 goals in 22 games.
Playing as a left-back, Daly was a key member of England’s 2022 Euros-winning squad as she started all six games in that position, ahead of Alex Greenwood and Demi Stokes.
She had to previously fight for her spot but has enjoyed something of an England renaissance in recent years, and her current form will make a strong case for her inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s attacking positions.
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 27: Karina Saevik of Norway is challenged by Lucy Bronze of England during ... [+]
Barcelona defender Bronze has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury against Chelsea in the Women's Champions League semi-finals but is expected to be fit for the World Cup.
The 31-year-old brings stability and elite quality to England’s backline, and with 104 caps, she is also England’s most experienced player in the squad.
Bronze, who won the 2019 Ballon d’Or, can play in almost every outfield position but tends to excel as an attacking full-back in the backline. She will be a vital part of England’s defense, which will be without injured captain Leah Williamson.
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 27: Bethany England of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring the team's ... [+]
Forward England’s decision to leave long-time club Chelsea for London rivals Tottenham Hotspur mid-season proved to be beneficial as she earned her place back into the England squad.
A non-playing member of the team’s 2022 Euro success, England had been dropped from the squad due to an injury layoff but the 29-year-old returns in top form, with 13 goals in 14 appearances for Spurs.
She will likely face competition from other attackers to seal a spot in the starting line-up, but her ability to sprint into channels and finish chances makes her an excellent option.
BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 23: Mary Earps of England makes a save during a training session ... [+]
Voted the best goalkeeper at the FIFA awards last year, Earps will now head to the World Cup hoping to make her first appearance after she was the third-choice at the 2019 edition.
The 30-year-old, known for her spectacular reflexes, has flourished under coach Wiegman, becoming a confident and commanding keeper.
Earps was the only English player to play every single minute of action in this season’s WSL, and no goalkeeper had more touches than her in the top flight.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Alessia Russo of England celebrates after the final whistle of the UEFA ... [+]
Russo will hope to lead the line for England at this year’s World Cup after largely playing as a substitute until last year.
The 24-year-old, who will leave Manchester United at the end of her contract this week, was United's joint-top scorer in the WSL this season with 10 goals and one assist in 20 matches as the club finished runners-up in the WSL – their highest-ever finish.
Russo was a breakout star in last year’s Euros, coming off the bench to score four times. An all-round no. 9, she can hold off defenders and offer a goal threat.