In Focus: Six new Lionesses ready to roar Down Under

Six fresh faces have snagged a spot in Sarina Wiegman's England squad for the upcoming Women's World Cup.

Injuries to the likes of Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby, combined with the retirements of Euro 2022 heroes Ellen White and Jill Scott mean the door, have opened for new stars to emerge.

We take a look at the Lionesses looking to make their mark in their maiden tournament Down Under.

Katie Zelem (Manchester United)

Manchester United skipper Katie Zelem was agonisingly close to making Wiegman's Euro 2022 squad, joining the provisional group before being cut at the final stage.

However, the midfielder's impressive campaign with the Red Devils — leading her side to an FA Cup final and narrow defeat in the WSL title race — has proven impossible to ignore.

The 27-year-old recently confessed to thinking her international chance had been and gone, so will be desperate for an opportunity to impress.

Lauren James (Chelsea)

Initially drawing headlines for being the brother of Chelsea and England wing-back Reece, Lauren James is now famous in her own right.

The versatile forward, 20, was overlooked for the Euros due to injury woes but those are now firmly behind her after a sparkling campaign for Emma Hayes' WSL champions.

Direct, rapid and with a fantastic eye for goal, many pundits are tipping the Londoner to establish herself as a genuine superstar in the coming years.

Niamh Charles (Chelsea)

Another Blues star brought into the England fold by Wiegman is Swiss army knife Niamh Charles.

Not expecting a call-up, Charles was on holiday when she found out she would be heading for Australia and New Zealand — but her versatility and pedigree makes her a worthy addition.

The ex-Liverpool full-back, 24, occupied both defence and midfield berths on a regular basis during Chelsea's double-winning campaign last season and will not be fazed by the big occasion.

Katie Robinson (Brighton)

Brighton forward Katie Robinson does not turn 21 until the World Cup's knockout stages but will hope to show age is no barrier Down Under.

Though she was arguably the most surprising inclusion in Wiegman's final squad, Robinson's fine performances out wide for the Seagulls this term have seen her linked with the likes of Manchester United.

Though she is likely to be restricted to late cameos this summer, the fact Wiegman has seen fit to call her up bodes very well for her future.

Laura Coombs (Manchester City)

The oldest of the new call-ups is Manchester City ace Laura Coombs, who received an England recall for the first time in eight years last season.

Dependable defender Coombs, 32, was a key figure at the heart of Gareth Taylor's City backline in 2022-23 and brings a wealth of club experience to the table.

For a Lionesses group that has lost several senior figures in a short space of time, Coombs' commanding presence will be extremely welcome around the camp.

Esme Morgan (Manchester City)

Another City star who made Wiegman's final squad is Esme Morgan — a versatile star in more ways than one.

The 22-year-old, who is capable of playing in defence or midfield, juggles her football career with a sports degree at Manchester Metropolitan University but will not be sitting any exams this month.

Having missed out on Euro 2022 due to a broken leg, the Sheffield-born starlet has shown impressive mental fortitude to rebuild her promising career so quickly.