Kenya Sport

Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead & 13 Lionesses Who Must Shine in WSL Before England’s 2027 World Cup Bid

With the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season about to begin, several English players are aiming to secure their spots in the Lionesses squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. As Sarina Wiegman prepares her team for a tournament roughly eight months away, some players face the challenge of making a strong domestic impact to influence their World Cup prospects.

The Lionesses finished second at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, narrowly losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. Though qualification for the next tournament still depends on an October playoff against Greece, it is widely expected they will advance. Several stars like Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Lucy Bronze seem certain to be involved again, but the fate of others is less clear.

Goalkeepers Battling for Recognition

  • Khiara Keating (Liverpool): After limited appearances at Manchester City last season, Keating moved to Liverpool, reuniting with former manager Gareth Taylor. Expected to be Liverpool’s starting goalkeeper, she aims to regain her place as England’s second-choice keeper behind Hannah Hampton, who appears set to remain No.1.
  • Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa): Once tipped as a future number one for England, Roebuck battled health issues and inconsistent play but has returned to the national setup. She faces competition at Aston Villa but hopes to secure consistent minutes and make her first World Cup squad.

Young Talents Facing Tough Competition

  • Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses): The 21-year-old impressed last season and earned a contract extension through 2029. However, new signings may reduce her playing time, which could jeopardize her chances of a World Cup call-up unless she remains a key contributor.
  • Niamh Charles (Manchester City): After injuries hampered her previous season, Charles switched from Chelsea to Manchester City to claim the starting left-back role. Known for both defensive solidity and attacking support, she’s expected to be a crucial player for both club and country.

Injury Comebacks and Fitness Battles

  • Leah Williamson (Arsenal): The England captain has struggled with fitness, starting only two WSL games last season due to multiple injuries including an ACL tear and subsequent surgeries. If fully fit, she remains indispensable to the Lionesses.
  • Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal): A standout at Euro 2025, Agyemang suffered an ACL injury last October and is currently in recovery. Her return to full fitness and game time will be closely watched as England hope to have her back for the World Cup.
  • Ella Morris (Tottenham): Called up for England’s Euro 2025 camp but sidelined by an ACL injury soon after, Morris is now fit again. She offers much-needed depth at right-back, a position where England face shortages as veteran Lucy Bronze nears 35.

Midfielders and Forwards Needing Big Seasons

  • Grace Clinton (Manchester City): After a promising loan spell at Tottenham, Clinton transferred to Manchester City but struggled to find form and consistent minutes last year. Her manager expresses confidence she can take a big step forward this season, which would boost her World Cup chances.
  • Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City): Emerging as a key midfielder in 2025-26, Brown started twice for England in early 2026. With growing competition at City, including new arrivals, maintaining regular play will be vital to her international prospects.
  • Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea): Despite a strong start scoring early goals last season, injuries and loss of form limited her impact. With few natural backup options for Alessia Russo in the center-forward role, Chelsea and England will be hoping she regains fitness and consistency.

Established Stars Looking to Reignite Form

  • Chloe Kelly (Arsenal): Kelly was a standout hero in England’s Euro 2025 triumph but struggled with injuries and form during the following club season. Now fully focused on fitness, she wants to build on her potential and become a key figure again for Arsenal and the Lionesses.
  • Beth Mead (Manchester City): After nine years at Arsenal, Mead joined reigning champions Manchester City. Though competing with several talented wingers, her versatility and hunger suggest she could regain a starting role for England in Brazil.

Defensive Options with Potential Barriers

  • Ruby Mace (Everton): Mace had an impressive 2025-26 season, earning a nomination for WSL Player of the Season due to her defensive stats. Despite this, she has just one England cap and plays mostly as a center-back, where England have good depth. A positional change might be necessary for her to break into the squad regularly.

Players with Much at Stake in Upcoming WSL Season

  • Khiara Keating – Liverpool goalkeeper aiming to regain England squad spot
  • Ellie Roebuck – Aston Villa keeper fighting for consistent game time
  • Freya Godfrey – London City forward facing stiff competition
  • Niamh Charles – New Man City left-back recovering from injury
  • Leah Williamson – Arsenal captain battling fitness concerns
  • Grace Clinton – Midfielder seeking breakthrough season at Man City
  • Laura Blindkilde Brown – Rising midfielder at Man City
  • Chloe Kelly – Arsenal winger returning from injuries
  • Aggie Beever-Jones – Chelsea forward needing consistent fitness
  • Beth Mead – Versatile attacker newly at Man City
  • Michelle Agyemang – Young forward recovering from ACL injury
  • Ella Morris – Tottenham defender aiming for England breakthrough
  • Ruby Mace – Everton defender/midfielder targeting positional shift

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