Following the Lionesses’ success at Euro 2025, SheKicks predicts the England starting XI for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Lionesses successfully defended their European Championship in Switzerland, after winning the trophy for the first time three years ago.
After the ongoing celebrations, Sarina Wiegman and England will turn their attentions to the 2027 World Cup.
England fell short in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup to Spain and will be determined to add international football’s biggest trophy to their cabinet in two years’ time.
However, there could be some changes to the England starting XI for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Predicting the England starting XI for 2027 World Cup
Goalkeeper – Hannah Hampton
Hannah Hampton appeared to cement her position as the England goalkeeper for many years to come, following her excellent displays at Euro 2025.
The Chelsea goalkeeper had been in contention to make the starting XI against Mary Earps for the Euros. Hampton won the battle and Earps decided to call it a day on her England career.
Hampton justified Sarina Wiegman’s decision and saved penalties from Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey during the final against Spain.
She appears likely to start at the 2026 World Cup where she will still only be 26-years-old.
Her main competition is likely to come in the form of Manchester City’s Khiara Keating who is still only 21. However, it will be tough for Keating to overtake Hampton in the next two years, though she might have an eye on the England No. 1 shirt for Euro 2029.
The Lionesses have already been priced as 3/1 second-favourites to win Euro 2029 with UK betting websites.
Right back – Maya Le Tissier
Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier has been seen by many as the successor for Lucy Bronze in the England squad.
Le Tissier can play in the centre of defence or on the right, and SheKicks predict she will come in for Bronze in 2027.
Bronze will want to win the World Cup with England in 2027 after the disappointment of 2023 in Australia. However, by the time of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Bronze will be 35-years-old.
So while it would be a surprise if Bronze does not make the travelling squad in 2027, there is every chance she might have to contend with a place on the bench.
Bronze won’t give up her place in the starting XI without a fight, as shown by the fact that she played the entirety of Euro 2025 with a broken leg.
Centre-backs – Leah Williamson and Esme Morgan
England captain Leah Williamson will be 30 by the time the 2027 Women’s World Cup rolls around and will still likely be at the top of her game.
We predict she will start alongside Esme Morgan, who made two appearances during Euro 2025.
Jess Carter will also be in contention, while another player to watch out for is Manchester City’s Naomi Layzell who could break into the England squad by that point.
Layzell though will more likely be pushing to become a starter for England by Euro 2029.
Left-back – Niamh Charles
Niamh Charles was not a starter for England at Euro 2025 but made her mark by scoring in their penalty shootout win over Spain in the final.
Alex Greenwood moved to left-back for the Lionesses during the tournament in Switzerland.
However, Greenwood will be 33 by the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around, so Charles could be in contention to start in Brazil.
Midfielders – Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway
SheKicks predicts there will be no at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in the centre of midfield, with Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway both keeping the place.
Walsh struggled for consistency at the Euros but is still England’s linchpin and her role in Sarina Wiegman’s system makes her a near-certain starter.
Georgia Stanway’s work rate and versatility are a huge asset also for England. The only thing that could get in her way is injuries, after she faced a gruelling recovery to make England’s Euro 2025 squad.
Right-wing – Lauren James
Lauren James will be hoping to be fully fit at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, after like Stanway, she also faced a race against time to make the Euro 2025 squad.
She made a huge impact against the Netherlands scoring a brace in a game where the Lionesses could have crashed out of the tournament at the group stage.
However, she was replaced at half-time against Italy and after just 40 minutes against Spain.
James is an exceptional player for the Lionesses and if she can stay fit, it will be tough for anyone to replace her in the starting XI.
No. 10 – Grace Clinton
SheKicks predicts that Grace Clinton will be a regular starter for England by the time of the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
This means she will step in for Ella Toone who had an excellent tournament for the Lionesses in Switzerland.
Clinton was the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for 2023-24 and scored eight goals in 21 appearances for Manchester United in the most recent campaign.
She made five appearances off the bench for England at Euro 2025, but is likely to have a much bigger role in 2027.
Left-wing – Lauren Hemp
The battle for the left side of the attack is again likely to come down to Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly.
Kelly made the bigger impact at Euro 2025 despite coming off the bench for the Lionesses.
The Arsenal star was named in UEFA’s team of the tournament after making huge impacts in all three knockout phase games.
Hemp was also a positive influence for England at Eur0 2025, causing many problems for defenders with her directness and pace.
It almost comes down to a flip of a coin, but we predict Hemp will continue to grow in the coming years and start for the Lionesses in Brazil.
Striker – Michelle Agyemang
The final player in our predicted England starting XI for the 2027 Women’s World Cup is Michelle Agyemang.
Agyemang scored vital equalisers against Sweden and Italy during the knockout phase and was named as the Young Player of the Tournament.
The Arsenal striker will continue to grow in terms of her ability by the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Alessia Russo will still have a big part to play by 2027, but it could be roles reversed where she comes off the bench to replace Agyemang.
When does qualification begin for England ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
The draw for the European qualifying phase for the Women’s World Cup will take place on November 4th.
Qualification will officially get underway on February 26th, 2026.
Who is hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil and take place between June 24th and July 25th.
Just as Euro 2025, all games for the World Cup will be shown on BBC and ITV.
