After a fine campaign with Manchester United, Katie Zelem is heading Down Under as part of England's Women's World Cup squad.

The 27-year-old midfielder has acquired seven caps since making her Lionesses bow in November 2021 and clearly impressed Sarina Wiegman in the process.

Ahead of England's warm-up clash with Portugal on Saturday, we take a closer look at Zelem's excellent campaign and assess her prospects of shining on the big stage.

Bouncing back

Zelem could have been forgiven for coming into last season feeling a little glum.

Narrowly missing out on a spot in England's Euro 2022 squad, the Oldham-born playmaker was forced to look on from the outside as her national team-mates secured a historic tournament triumph.

But rather than feeling sorry for herself, the No10 came back with a point to prove. 

She missed just one Women's Super League game as the Red Devils came agonisingly close to a first ever top-tier title, only losing out to Chelsea on the final day.

Zelem was at her creative best for Marc Skinner's side throughout, notching three goals and laying on a further eight assists — the latter her best ever tally in the WSL.

Getting the call

At the end of May, Zelem's efforts saw her rewarded with a place in Wiegman's squad for this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The news will have come as a massive relief for the United skipper, who had been surprisingly left out of the previous Lionesses squad to face Brazil and Australia in March.

Speaking after the news went public, she said: "I'm so excited. 

"Ever since I was a little girl I've wanted to play for England and be at the World Cup and at 27 I have made that dream come true."

Ready to shine

It would be somewhat of a surprise if Zelem found herself in the starting line-up for England's first group game against Haiti.

Barcelona ace Keira Walsh is Wiegman's preferred option at the base of a midfield trio and given her stunning performances at the Euros, she looks undroppable. 

Then, the Dutch tactician generally opts to field Bayern Munich box-to-box operator Georgia Stanway and Zelem's United team-mate Ella Toone either side of her. 

However, the former Liverpool and Juventus star's versatility means she can comfortably step into any of those three midfield spots when required.

The unfortunate absence of Lionesses captain Leah Williamson this summer through injury also boosts her playing prospects.

Arsenal defender Williamson, 26, is the traditional deputy for Walsh in holding midfield but now Zelem looks the most likely to inherit that role.

Doing her thing

One of the keys to England's Euro 2022 success was their manager's excellent use of substitutions to shift the momentum during tight contests.

Therefore, every member of the England squad will likely be given their chance to make an impact — it is simply about taking opportunities when they come.

Zelem has made no secret of her excitement to head Down Under but when she gets on the pitch, it is vital she does not stray too far away from her normal game.

Producing the same level of performances that she has done at club level this term will make her a serious asset in England's bid for world domination.