Women's World Cup predictions: Trinity Rodman could be a star for defending champions

The answer to that should be «Spain» as their golden generation is now at its peak, but problems off the field make them too unpredictable and they have left three of the world's best players at home, in Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Sandro Panos.

England, despite injuries, remains a very strong opponent and is watching Australia.

Fiona Thomas:I would like to say that this is England, but given the number of failures due to injuries, they will not be the same force as during the Euro. It's probably the most open World Cup ever, but it's hard not to notice the US will be in contention for a third title in a row. They are champions, and although they lack some key names, they always rise to the occasion.

Luke Edwards: It's always hard to look beyond the defending US champions heading to some sort of World Cup, but despite their injuries, England have as good a chance as anyone else. Sarina Wigman is probably the best international women's coach and the Lionesses are the best team in Europe.

Who are the dark horses?

EG:Sweden, the Netherlands, Japan and Brazil. Nobody talks about Sweden, but I think they have great experience. The Netherlands have only one year with their coach Andris Jonker and although they are missing a scorer Vivianne Miedema they still have some great talent. Japan played exceptionally well this year at the SheBelieves Cup — it's the best team in Japan for the past few years. And Brazil, under former USA/Sweden coach Pia Sundheij, can also beat anyone on their day.

TG: Norway. No one seems to be talking about them, but they are a dangerous team in a relatively weak group A and should progress as group winners. They will have to prove their case after an unsuccessful performance at Euro 2022. In Chelsea's Guro Reiten and Arsenal's Frida Maanum, they have two of the best players from last WSL season, with former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg up front. There are questions for their defense, but I see them making their way to the quarter-finals or even further. Watch out also for Brazil, who have great attacking talent and don't concede many goals.

FT: Australia. They will support themselves in their home tournament and you can count on their star striker Sam Kerr to be the Matilda figure and tournament poster girl to lead the way.

LE: Germany narrowly lost to England at the European Championship last summer and deserves respect again, but co-host Australia could be the surprise of the tournament. With home support, they will be dangerous.

Which team are you most looking forward to?

HG:Japan, no doubt, because their style is very similar to that of Spanish football. Their game between both boxes, in my opinion, is on the same level as that of Spain. The difference now is that they have some exciting young talent in the forward line in Mikey Hamano, the 19 year old we signed at Chelsea in January who was on loan in Sweden, and Aoba Fujino. They have depth and creativity.

TG:Australia. Everything is set for Chelsea star Sam Kerr to inspire the nation and with Arsenal's Caitlin Furde and Steph Catley among other stars, they could be very interesting. It should also be interesting for neutral players to watch Brazil.

FT: For Ireland, of course! They totally deserve to play in their first major tournament and are a tough team that will embrace their label of brave underdogs. Under Arsenal's Cathy McCabe, they will do their best to make women's football popular at home.

Could Kate McCabe and Ireland be a World Cup surprise? Credit: PA/Brian Lawless

LE: Intrigued by how Spain is doing well given their recent turmoil and the talent at their disposal. The Republic of Ireland did a very good job of qualifying, but this is a chance to really put women's football at the top of the news.

And the player?

HG: Barbara Banda. The Zambian striker, now 23, has really grown up and it will be interesting to see her try to replicate some of her brilliant performances at the Olympics. Also, I'm really looking forward to meeting Aoba Fujino from Japan, a very interesting young talent. And of course I have to mention Lauren James.

TG:Trinity Rodman. The Washington Spirit striker, just 21, is part of a new generation of American stars who have made it big since their latest World Championship triumph and could play in a major tournament. She was NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2021, made her international debut last year and is now coming to Down Under after scoring twice against Wales in a US friendly send-off, becoming the youngest US player to score two goals in game. . And she is the daughter of former basketball star Dennis Rodman.

FT: Kira Walsh. The Barcelona and England maestro has repeatedly stressed why she is the best defensive midfielder in women's football and as the best player in the big game she will play a key role in the Liones campaign.

LE: Melchi Dumornay. The Haitian striker has just signed for European giants Lyon and the 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising players in the global game. England will face her in the first group match.

Who will be the top scorer?

AH:Sam Kerr. She is the best to work with, but she has the perfect ally in Caitlin Ford in the Australian attack. These two will be very dynamic, like nine and ten, and really complement each other.

TG: Caroline Graham Hansen. A slightly leftist response, but Norway has the potential to score many goals against a weak defense in Group A and the Barcelona winger is unstoppable once she finds her form. A smarter writer than I would name Sophia Smith from the US, Alexandra Popp from Germany, or Sam Kerr.

FT: Sam Kerr. She is such a cool finisher and smart soccer player who looks like she has fun every time she is on the soccer field. She will take on the nation's hopes with relative ease, and with any luck, we'll also be treated to an acrobatic goal celebration.

LE: It will be hard for USA's Alex Morgan to win, but the Australian national team star and Chelsea's Sam Kerr can also be productive. It will be interesting to see if England's Rachel Daly, who played as a left-back at the Euros, can bring her excellent scoring record to the international stage.