Blau-Weiss Lohne Overview

Teams have been busy booking their spots and preparing for the summer's tournament in Brazil - but who are the most likely contenders to claim the trophy?

England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway. It hasn't gone how the Lionesses would've hoped thus far, with a second-placed finish in the group condemning Sarina Wiegman's side to the play-off route. But the 2023 runners-up are still expected to make the 2027 tournament, even if they are taking the scenic route.

England's Lionesses have always had great goalscorers. Even before the team was the major contender it is now, winning back-to-back European Championships under Sarina Wiegman and reaching a first Women's World Cup final, they could boast some incredible attacking talent, with Arsenal icon Kelly Smith, widely considered the Lionesses' greatest ever player, a prime example.

The Arsenal forward has been a consistent and reliable performer at international level for several years now - but what happens if she becomes unavailable?