There is no precedent for any side beating the Lionesses under manager Sarina Wiegman - of course, so much can change between now and the summer that fans won’t permit themselves to make pre-mature predictions. But having witnessed England overcome some of the tournament’s hottest favourites - Sweden, Spain and the United States - in 2022, supporters would be forgiven for getting a little bit excited.
There are tweaks to be made, connections to be forged, and surely a few injuries and obstacles to contend with along the way. But under Wiegman’s stewardship, among a generation of talented English players, surely the Lionesses have a better chance of bringing the World Cup trophy home than ever before?
Here are the ten sides tipped by current odds to go far in the tournament down under....
Here are the ten sides tipped by current odds to go far in the tournament down under....
9. England - 4/1
First, Europe, next - the world? Beating the holders USA at Wembley was a very positive omen indeed, but the Lionesses won’t have the same brilliant home support when they compete down under next summer. How long can Sarina Wiegman’s players keep up their impressive unbeaten run?
10. The United States of America - 3/1
The holders and four-time world champions are, of course, tipped to go the distance in Australia and New Zealand. As Vlatko Andonoski phases out veterans in favour of younger faces, the States are in a transitional period which perhaps excuses their recent three successive defeats - the first such run since 1993. It will be interesting to see whether it all comes together in time.