Jonas Eidevall rates England's chances of winning Women's World Cup

Arsenal manager and BBC pundit Jonas Eidevall has backed England to win the Women’s World Cup this summer, despite missing a handful of key players through injury.

The Lionesses swept to victory at Euro 2022 on home soil last summer, lifting a first major international trophy. However, the team has had to undergo considerable changes, with four of the players who started that final against Germany not making the trip to Australia.

Influential trio Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all miss out through injury, while all-time leading goalscorer Ellen White retired. There is also a gap to fill at left-back, with WSL golden boot winner Rachel Daly at last being utilised as a forward – as she has been at club level for years.

Of those who are in the squad, Eidevall knows Lotte Wubben-Moy and Jordan Nobbs extremely well, while Alessia Russo will link up with the Gunners after the tournament following her much-talked about free transfer from WSL rivals Manchester United.

"I'm backing England to win it. Why not?" the Swede said.

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"Despite some injuries and a lot of discussion about those injuries, they remain one of the best teams in world football. They have superb players, a great manager and don't forget, they go into this tournament as champions of Europe. I think they have a good chance of going one step further and becoming world champions."

England won’t have things all their own way though. A tough knockout bracket lies ahead no matter which you look at it, with a likely last 16 clash against Australia, the only team to beat them under Sarina Wiegman, or reigning Olympic champions Canada to be followed by expected encounters in the latter stages with Germany and France. The United States, World Cup winners in 2015 and 2019, are on the other of the draw and are highly likely to be waiting in the final.

"I think to face home nation Australia in the knockout phase will be a huge test. They're a really good side and, as England felt in the European Championships, home advantage can really play a big role on the biggest international stages," Eidevall commented.

"There is a reason the USA are considered favourites by so many. They have a really good team with some excellent young talent. There’s a real chance we see Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson shine from the very beginning until the end."

Jonas Eidevall will join BBC Sport’s World Cup team in coverage across BBC television, BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds