Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead and 13 Lionesses Who Must Shine in WSL to Boost England’s 2027 World Cup Hopes

With the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season kicking off, many English players are determined to secure or strengthen their spots in the Lionesses squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The tournament, hosted by Brazil next summer, is still almost a year away but domestic form will heavily influence Sarina Wiegman’s selection decisions.

The England manager’s team finished runners-up at the 2023 World Cup after losing narrowly to Spain, and will be eager to improve on that in Brazil. Qualification is yet to be sealed, with crucial matches against Greece looming in October. Many key players like Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Lucy Bronze seem likely to remain central figures, but others face tough battles to either break into or maintain their places.

Goalkeepers Fighting for Recognition

• Khiara Keating (Liverpool): After limited appearances at Manchester City last season, the 22-year-old goalkeeper joined Liverpool, reuniting with coach Gareth Taylor. Expected to be Liverpool’s first choice, she aims to regain her spot behind England’s main keeper Hannah Hampton.
• Ellie Roebuck (Aston Villa): Once tipped as England’s future number one, Roebuck has battled injuries and health setbacks but returned to the national set-up last season. Competing for starts at Villa, she wants consistent game time to push for a World Cup place.

Midfield and Forward Players Needing Key Campaigns

• Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses): At just 21, Godfrey earned senior England call-ups thanks to solid performances but now faces more competition with new signings at her club. Maintaining regular minutes is vital for her World Cup hopes.
• Niamh Charles (Manchester City): A left-back position that has been problematic for England could be secured by Charles after her move from Chelsea. City’s manager values her experience and expects her to flourish in a key role.
• Leah Williamson (Arsenal): England’s captain when fit, Williamson has suffered from injuries including an ACL tear, limiting her appearances last season. Staying healthy this term is critical for her to lead England again in 2027.
• Grace Clinton (Manchester City): After a strong loan spell at Tottenham and subsequent transfer to City, Clinton struggled to find consistency last season. Her manager believes she can take a big step forward this year and reclaim a spot in the England squad.
• Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City): One of England’s breakout stars recently, Brown’s impressive performances helped City win the WSL title. Increased competition in midfield means she must keep building to stay in the national picture.
• Chloe Kelly (Arsenal): A hero of England’s 2025 European Championship victory, Kelly was hampered by injuries last season. She aims to regain full fitness and form to make an impact for club and country ahead of the World Cup.
• Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea): Despite early-season promise, injuries and goal drought hit Beever-Jones’s campaign hard. With limited alternatives for England’s backup striker role, a healthy and productive season is vital for her.
• Beth Mead (Manchester City): Recently transferred from Arsenal to Man City, Mead looks set to fight for a starting role despite strong competition. Her versatility and experience make her a major contender to start in Brazil.
• Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal): Injured with an ACL tear since October 2025, Agyemang’s recovery and return to match fitness will determine if she can contribute to England’s World Cup attack.
• Ella Morris (Tottenham): Though uncapped, Morris impressed enough to be called to England’s final Euro 2025 camp before an ACL injury. Now recovered, she hopes to provide depth at right-back where England have few options.
• Ruby Mace (Everton): A standout defensive player in the WSL, Mace’s challenge is breaking into England’s midfield since she plays mainly at center-back, a position well stocked in the national team. A positional change might be necessary for her to get another chance.

List of Key Players and Their Clubs

• Khiara Keating: Liverpool
• Ellie Roebuck: Aston Villa
• Freya Godfrey: London City Lionesses
• Niamh Charles: Manchester City
• Leah Williamson: Arsenal
• Grace Clinton: Manchester City
• Laura Blindkilde Brown: Manchester City
• Chloe Kelly: Arsenal
• Aggie Beever-Jones: Chelsea
• Beth Mead: Manchester City
• Michelle Agyemang: Arsenal
• Ella Morris: Tottenham
• Ruby Mace: Everton

Each of these players faces pressure to perform strongly at club level this season to boost their chances of representing England on the world stage. Their journeys highlight how demanding the path to international football can be, especially with the World Cup looming.