Women's World Cup: Group D preview

England's women's football is experiencing a swift rise that has vaulted the third-ranked Lionesses among the tournament's favorites in France.

Neighbouring Scotland will appear in its first quadrennial event alongside behemoth Japan, while Argentina will look for a maiden World Cup group stage victory after getting outscored by 31 goals in its previous six matches.

Group Schedule

Players to watch

Nikita Parris (England)

Freshly minted Lyon forward Nikita Parris bagged 19 WSL goals this season for Manchester City, and the 25-year-old is part of a stacked attack that features Barcelona star Toni Duggan, City newcomer Ellen White, and Euro 2017 Golden Boot winner Jodie Taylor. Parris' composed finish in the SheBelieves Cup was a good sample of a technically elite player.

Kim Little (Scotland)

In its first World Cup appearance, Scotland has been driven by decorated Arsenal midfielder Kim Little, whose 133 caps and 53 goals put her in a position of leadership for Shelley Kerr's lot. The 2013 PFA's Women's Player of the Year, Little has represented Scotland at the senior level since she was 16. Now 28, she'll play in a more withdrawn role than the advanced one she helms at Arsenal.

Saki Kumagai (Japan)

One of the sport's most celebrated players, Lyon defender Saki Kumagai is set to feature in her third World Cup. The 28-year-old is one of just two players in the squad who don't play in Japan, and a backline led by Kumagai is a position of strength for the team, with three of the likely four starters boasting more than 100 international caps apiece.

Sole Jaimes (Argentina)

A Champions League winner in her first season at Lyon, striker Sole Jaimes is both the star of Carlos Borrello's squad and in the minority as just one of nine Albicelestes who play in Europe. Jameis registered five goals in the 2018 Copa America to guide Argentina toward a playoff against Panama for a World Cup berth. Standing 6-feet tall, she's a considerable target for crosses.

Group Outlook

Reigning semifinalist England will make the swift trip across the English Channel in a different standing than four years ago. In 2015, the Lionesses became tournament darlings by shocking Norway and then host Canada in the knockout stage before a narrow last-four defeat to Japan.

This time around, Phil Neville and Co. will harbor realistic title hopes, especially in a group that they should easily top. Scotland is poised to pull off a shocker and beat Japan to second place. Argentina is just happy to be here.

Predicted Finish