England at the Women's World Cup

England are already being touted as one of the top four favourites to win the competition and it’s no wonder why.

The Lionesses come into the Women’s World Cup brimming with confidence after an impressive showing at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.

The annual tournament that takes place in the United States saw England see off prime competition in Japan, Brazil and current World Champions the USA to claim their first SheBelieves Cup.

Time to believe

England successfully defeated Brazil and Japan, while a draw with the USA ensured they topped the group and took home the trophy.

A mixed record at the finals

The Lionesses have a mixed record at World Cup finals. Having failed to qualify for three of the previous seven tournaments, when England have shown up they’ve managed to make it to the quarter finals on all but one occasion.

The previous tournament, the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada saw them finish an impressive third place after defeating Germany in the third place playoff.

Fast forward two years to the 2017 Euros in the Netherlands and the English once again made it to the semis. Topping their group they went on to beat this year’s hosts France before succumbing to eventual winners the Netherlands. Not bad.

Enter Phil Neville

Since Phil Neville took over the manager’s role ahead of the 2018 SheBelieves Cup where England finished runners up they’ve gone strength to strength.

"England could go on to dominate world football" - Neville

England stormed undefeated through their World Cup qualification group, only dropping points in a solitary draw at home to wales. On top of that the Lionesses only conceded once through the whole campaign on a difficult trip away to Russia.

England's Women's World Cup Squad

Phil Neville has named a squad that’s brimming with talent but is erring on the inexperienced side. 11 players will be stepping out into the World Cup with no prior experience in the competition.

This England squad is packed with talent

England fans can be confident that there is some experience running through the squad. England captain and centurion Steph Houghton was no doubt the first name on the list, while Karen Carney and Jill Scott will be at their fourth consecutive World Cup Finals.

The big omissions come in the form of midfielders Izzy Christiansen and Fara Williams. Lyon midfielder Christiansen was an injury concern.

The verdict? This England squad is packed with talent, experience and attacking prowess but there are serious concerns that it this England squad aren’t the finished article.

England Women’s World Cup Fixtures

As one of the top four favourites the Lionesses are expected to top their group. England have been drawn into Group D alongside Scotland, Argentina and Japan.

It represents a difficult, but not impossible group England to make it out of. Both Scotland and Argentina are competing at their first World Cup Finals, but there’s certainly no love lost between those two and the English. That could add a little spice to the mix.

England’s first test with be against neighbours Scotland on Sunday 9 June, before going up against Argentina and Japan.

The Japanese who were champions in 2011 will be arguably the toughest task England have to make it to the knockout stages. The two faced off at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup where England won comfortably 0-3.