Four youngsters primed to shine at the FIFA Women's World Cup

International swansongs will be a major theme during the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.

A host of stars are set to feature in the global showpiece for the final time with USA's two-time champion Megan Rapinoe already having confirmed that she will retire in October.

At 37, and playing a more peripheral role than previous editions, Brazil icon Marta is also coming close to the final chapter in what will be her sixth attempt at World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Christine Sinclair, who has spearheaded Canada for more than 20 years and is three years Marta's senior, will hope to sign off in style as the reigning Olympic champions look to emerge from the Republic of Ireland's group. France striker Eugenie Le Sommer and Rapinoe's USA team-mate Alex Morgan are also very much in the veteran category.

But as some chapters close, new pages are also about to be written. A host of emerging talents are set to take the football pitches of Australia and New Zealand by storm in their World Cup debuts.

Giulia Dragoni

Italy manager Milena Bertolini raised a few eyebrows when she left out stalwarts like captain Sara Gama from her final squad but equally there was plenty of focus on the selection of 16-year-old Giulia Dragoni, who currently plays for Barcelona B having moved from hometown club Inter Milan in January.

The young midfielder is a renowned dribbler and won her first Italy senior cap in a friendly against Morocco on 1 July. She could well be used as an impact sub as the Azzurri go up against Sweden, Argentina and South Africa in Group G.

Salma Paralluelo

As highlighted by former League of Ireland footballer Conan Byrne on Tuesday's RTÉ Women's World Cup Podcast, Salma Paralluelo is one to watch within a talented Spain squad dominated by