The Lionesses continue to roar! Mary Earps, Lauren James & Alessia Russo among eight England stars named as finalists for a spot in the FIFPRO Women's World XI

Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Lauren James have been nominated for the World XI. All eight were part of the England squad that reached the final of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The eight England stars are joined in the 23-player shortlist by some huge names, including Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Spain star Jenni Hermoso and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr. However, England stars Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp missed out.

The World XI is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players, with over 6,000 women's footballers casting their votes based on performances between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023. The final XI will include the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards who received the most votes. The final spot in the team will be assigned to the remaining outfield player with the next highest number of votes.

BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner Earps and her England team-mates face an anxious wait to see if they have made the final XI. FIFA and FIFPRO will announce the World XI on Monday, January 15 at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London.