Jill Scott gives verdict on England chances at World Cup and names Lionesses to watch

In July, England’s Lionesses take to the centre stage in Australia and New Zealand in a bid to add yet another trophy to their cabinet; the FIFA Women’s 2023 World Cup. It will be the first major international tournament for six of the Lionesses, three of which come from Manchester clubs.

Broadcast black-outs and injury woes aside, there is a palpable buzz surrounding this summer's tournament heightened by such a sensational season in women’s football.

Former Manchester City and Lioness star Jill Scott agreed with MEN Sport: “I’m really looking forward to it. I think England's chances are really high, I know we've had some injuries but I think we've got a lot of young players that can step up now they have been given the opportunity and are definitely good enough.

“Look at the talent in Lauren James. You've got Kiera Walsh, and Georgia Stanway, who were at a different level in the Euros and I think they'll step up again. So yeah, I'm really positive about it and I think having a manager in Sarina, I feel like there's just a different level to everybody else.”

England boss Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player travelling squad on May 31 and it caused some controversy amid die-hard fans.

City’s Esme Morgan previously missed out on the Euros last summer due to injury, however, she is joined by teammate Laura Coombs in their inaugural major tournament on the international stage. They travel with teammates and European Champions Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp and Ellie Roebuck to Australia and New Zealand in July.

On the other side of Manchester, Golden Glove winner Mary Earps travels with United’s Player of the Year Alessia Russo and Ella Toone. But the squad also welcomes Katie Zelem into their ranks as she prepares for her first