Lionesses off to a Flyer – Now Who's Boarding the Plane to Brazil?

England's Lionesses have wasted no time in their bid for 2027 Women's World Cup glory, smashing Ukraine 6-1 in their opener and gearing up to host Iceland this weekend. As runners-up in 2023 and Euro champs more recently, Sarina Wiegman's crew are favourites to qualify for Brazil. But with injuries biting and fresh faces popping up, picking the final 23 (or whatever size squad FIFA allows) is trickier than nailing a Bronze cross.

We've all got our pub debates on this – who's undroppable, who's on notice? With Wiegman at the helm for years now, her blueprint is clear: solid defence, midfield maestros, and clinical finishers. Let's break it down, category by category, like divvying up the fantasy team.

Dead Certs: Pencil Them In Now

Some players are so nailed on, you'd lose your house betting against them. Captain Leah Williamson leads the pack – her leadership and defending are Wiegman gold. Hannah Hampton has the No.1 keeper spot locked, while Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo form the spine that carried England to recent triumphs.

Don't sleep on Lauren Hemp and Lauren James either. Yeah, injuries have niggled them this term, but Wiegman treats them like starters in big games. If lightning doesn't strike twice with knocks, these eight are Brazil-bound, no question. It's like expecting the sun not to rise – shocking if it doesn't happen.

Trusted Deputies: Big Game Bangers

Next tier down, but still shoo-ins. These are Wiegman's go-to leaders who rotate seamlessly. Jess Carter, Esme Morgan and Alex Greenwood bring defensive versatility – full-back one day, centre-half the next. They're the glue holding back attacks from anywhere.

Ella Toone battles for that No.10 role but usually wins out, while Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly deliver off the bench or in clutch moments. Remember their tournament heroics? These six push the tally to 14 certainties. Missing out would be a proper head-scratcher, like Southgate benching Kane.

On the Up: Form Horses and Fringe Fancies

Certainty dips here, but momentum is massive. Aggie Beever-Jones has been Russo's reliable understudy, though Michelle Agyemang's emergence (before her injury) shook things up at Euros. Still, Aggie's club form keeps her ahead in the striker stakes.

Jess Park is tearing it up in Europe this season – feels like a starter now. Maya Le Tissier's shifting to centre-back brilliantly, Lucia Kendall starred in post-Euro friendlies, and Anna Moorhouse is the steady backup keeper with club minutes galore. That's five more, hitting 19 likely lads (er, lasses).

If they keep cooking, they're squad staples or super subs. Pub verdict? Park's the one to watch – her creativity could crack open Brazil's defence.

The Scrap for Final Spots: Injuries and Unknowns

Squad size is a mystery – men's game went to 26 post-2022, but women's? Fingers crossed. Long-term absentees hurt, and new kids on the block could barge in. Wiegman's qualifiers will be auditions galore.

Ukraine showed the attack's ruthless, but Iceland will test resolve. Expect rotations to blood prospects. By next summer, it'll be clearer, but for now, these 19 are the core. Who's your wildcard punt? Mine's Park for a starting gig.

The Lionesses march on – qualification looks comfy, but squad drama? That's the real fun. Cheers to Brazil dreams!