Bold Breakthroughs: Exclusive Women's World Cup Forecasts by Ella Toone, Alisha Lehmann, Carly Telford, and Prominent Experts

Ella Toone - England and Man Utd midfielder

Who will emerge as the unexpected contender?

Who will emerge as the leading goal scorer?

I'm choosing Alessia Russo as the player of the tournament. Not only is she my best friend, but she possesses incredible scoring abilities and I am well aware of her prowess in front of the goal. With an impressive performance during the Euros where she scored numerous goals, I remain hopeful that she will continue to find the back of the net.

Carly Telford - Sky Sports pundit and former England goalkeeper

Underrated and unnoticed: Keira Walsh's impact on the team during the Women's World Cup.

In my opinion, considering their impressive current form, the Lionesses are likely to be the runners-up in the tournament. Despite their loss to Australia, it served as a valuable learning experience and I anticipate that they will not suffer any further defeats in the competition.

"Maybe the USA, although I think England will knock them out earlier if we come up against them.

"So I'm not sure how the groups go, but depending on who it is, maybe France or Germany."

Australia may be the unexpected contenders due to their ups and downs in the past year. With the advantage of a home crowd and a talented player like Sam Kerr, along with their impressive performance against England, they have a genuine shot at exceeding people's expectations.

Who will emerge as the leading goalscorer?

"I believe that England will distribute their goals evenly, therefore ruling out the possibility of an English player securing the title. While Alex Morgan is consistently in contention, I believe that if Australia performs exceptionally, Sam Kerr will undoubtedly be the primary goal scorer. Hence, my pick is her."

Karen Bardsley - Pundit and former England goalkeeper

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Prediction for the Women's World Cup champion: The USA is expected to emerge victorious, considering their consistent dominance in international tournaments. However, the outcome may hinge on the performance of the USA team during crucial moments.

Who do you think will come in second place?

"I believe England will be the runners-up. They have demonstrated their ability to win tournaments after their performance in the Euros last summer, although they have lost some important players. It will be intriguing to see how those positions are filled."

Which team will emerge as the unexpected sensation?

"In my opinion, France is poised to be this year's surprise package. With their recent tumultuous history and a new manager bringing fresh energy, they are likely to make a significant impact and possibly create history."

Who will emerge as the leading goal scorer?

It is likely that Sam Kerr will take the title. Given the significant advantage of playing on her home turf and the immense support from her fans, she will undoubtedly strive to leave a lasting impact on this World Cup. Additionally, her exceptional performance in the Women's Super League (WSL) throughout the season further solidifies her claim.

Based on what I observed during the Euros last summer, I believe Lena Oberdorf will emerge as the standout player of the tournament. She possesses exceptional talent and acts as the vital force behind the success of the German team.

Alisha Lehmann - Aston Villa and Switzerland midfielder

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

"I think England will win the World Cup because they're an amazing team. They showed at the Euros that they can win a tournament."

Who will be the runners-up?

"The final will be England against the USA because they're always a strong team. They've won World Cups before, so I will say America will be second."

Who will be the surprise package?

"I think the surprise will be Switzerland because we have a lot of potential and we can be better than we've showed yet."

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Lehmann is set to feature for Switzerland at the World Cup

Who will be the top scorer?

"Rachel Daly because she's scored so many goals this season. She broke the records here in England and the WSL so I think she could do it."

Who will be the player of the tournament?

"I think it will be Lauren James because she is a young player, she has a big talent. For me, she's the best player in the world."

Anton Toloui - Sky Sports News reporter

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

The USA possesses the most formidable attacking options in international soccer. Lindsay Horan cautions that this may be the youngest US team to compete in a World Cup in years, yet it is likely that numerous players who have been part of the previous two triumphant tournaments will also make up this squad.

With their exceptional skill, determination, and expertise, they have what it takes to clinch the ultimate prize.

Which team will take second place?

"Choosing between Germany and France was not easy. France, under the guidance of a new coach and with renewed confidence, is expected to fulfill their long-awaited potential, especially if Kadidiatou Diani performs well in the forward position."

Who will emerge as the unexpected contender?

Switzerland has the potential to surprise in the tournament as they are placed in the tournament's weakest group. Their group includes hosts New Zealand, a transitioning Norwegian team, and the underrated Philippines. If Switzerland qualifies from this group, they will face one of Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, or Japan in the last 16.

With a squad featuring talented players such as Ramona Bachmann, Lia Walti, Noelle Maritz, Alisha Lehamann, and Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Switzerland has the capability to cause upsets against many nations.

Who will be the top scorer?

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United States forward Sophia Smith could be the tournament's top scorer, according to We News' Anton Toloui

Sophia Smith has the potential to emerge as a prominent figure in international football this summer. With her exceptional skills, speed, and ability to outwit defenders, she has the potential to create havoc on the field. Additionally, she possesses the intelligence and team spirit necessary to excel as a team player.

While Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe are expected to lead the charge for the USA, Smith's remarkable performance over the past year and a half may position her as the rising star in the attacking lineup, earning her the title of the new offensive powerhouse at just 22 years old.

"The player of the tournament is likely to be Alex Morgan. Despite being unfairly deprived of the Golden Boot in 2019 by her teammate Rapinoe, Morgan is expected to shine once again. Her outstanding performance since joining San Diego Wave, where she topped the NWSL scoring charts last season, proves she is on fire."

"Banging in group-stage goals can help during a Golden Boot battle. Let's hope Vietnam and Portugal aren't used as fodder by Morgan."

Charlotte Marsh - Sky Sports' senior football journalist

"I am torn between rooting for England and the USA in the Women's World Cup. The USA has consistently shown their dominance in previous tournaments, making it difficult for any team to surpass them. On the other hand, England faces the challenge of key injuries which might make winning the tournament more challenging for them. However, I am open to being pleasantly surprised!"

Who will finish in second place?

"I believe England will be the runners-up. I have confidence that they will make a substantial advancement in the competition. However, Germany is also determined to reach the final. Additionally, we cannot ignore the formidable teams like Japan and Canada. It is a difficult decision, but in my opinion, the Lionesses have a slight advantage."

Who will emerge as the unexpected surprise?

"Australia, hosting the tournament alongside New Zealand, will derive great confidence from their previous victory over England in April. With Sam Kerr leading their attack, they will constantly pose a threat."

Who will emerge as the leading goal-scorer?

My bet is on Germany's Alex Popp. Unfortunately, she was unlucky to sustain an injury during the Euros final, which allowed Beth Mead to surpass her for the Golden Boot. However, Popp has continued to shine with Wolfsburg throughout the season, and this summer might finally be the moment for her to claim the coveted trophy.

Who will be the standout performer of the tournament?

"I will wholeheartedly stand by the Lioness, along with my fellow predictors, and name Keira Walsh as the player to watch. Renowned as the finest midfielder in women's football, she serves as the driving force behind England's team, yet her undeniable contributions often go unnoticed."

Fern Whelan - Sky Sports pundit and former England defender

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

Who will be the runner-up in this tournament?

Which team will be the unexpected contender?

Who will emerge as the top goal scorer?

It's a difficult choice, but since I have predicted England to win the tournament, I will select an English player - Rachel Daly.

Currently being recognized as a striker for England, she has been in phenomenal form this season. Scoring the most goals in the league, I believe she has the potential to repeat her success this summer while representing England.

Which player will be the standout performer of the tournament?

"I'll choose Keira Walsh. She displayed exceptional skills during the Euros last year and often goes unnoticed, but towards the tournament's conclusion, she received more recognition. I believe she will be a crucial contributor to England's triumph this summer."

Jen Beattie - Scotland and Arsenal defender, Three Players and a Podcast panellist

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

Who will come second place?

Who will be the dark horse?

Who will emerge as the leading goal-scorer?

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Alex Morgan finished second in the Golden Boot race at the 2019 World Cup, with Megan Rapinoe claiming the top spot.

Who will be the player of the tournament?

"For me, Keira Walsh hasn't reached her peak yet and she's already one of the best, if not the best, midfielders in the world right now.

"She showcased what she can do at the Euros and, finally, she's got the appreciation on the world stage. I have no doubt she'll do the same at the World Cup this summer."

Izzy Christiansen - Former England midfielder and Three Players and a Podcast panellist

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

"It's going to be really tough, but I think it'll be an England-Germany final. It'll be a rematch of the Euros, but I think England will have too much for them."

Who will be the runners-up?

"Germany. After the Euros, they'll have a lot of hurt from last summer. They're a really strong group and I think they'll only be stronger."

Which team will be the unexpected surprise?

My pick is Australia. They excel at embracing the underdog status, and if they can maintain that mentality throughout the tournament, I believe they have the potential to make significant progress.

Gilly Flaherty - Sky Sports pundit and former England defender

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Georgia Stanway could be named the player of the tournament at this summer's World Cup, according to Gilly Flaherty

Who will emerge victorious in the Women's World Cup?

"I would prefer to root for England, but considering their injuries, I believe the USA will prevail. They need to recover from their disappointment at the Olympics, and I anticipate they will have a strong motivation to prove themselves."

Who will be the runners-up?

"I'm going to go with England. I think they'll get far and push teams all the way, but will fall short against the USA."

Who will be the surprise package?

"I'm going to go with Haiti. It's their first-ever World Cup that they've qualified for and they're in the same group as England as well."

Who will be the top goalscorer?

"I have to go for one of our own in Alessia Russo, followed up closely by Rachel Daly."

Who will be the player of the tournament?

"I think she's done really well since going to play abroad so I'm going to go Georgia Stanway."

Remi Allen - Aston Villa midfielder

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

"England. I think the momentum from the Euros, the place that we're in, the players that we've got, if we're ever going to do it, this is the time."

Who will be the runners-up?

Who will be the surprise contender?

Who will emerge as the leading goalscorer?

Rachel Daly, in outstanding form and scoring goals when positioned as the No 9, has the potential to replicate her success on the global stage with adequate support.

Simone Magill - Northern Ireland and Aston Villa forward

Despite my strong belief that Keira Walsh was the true standout player of the Euros, she unfortunately didn't receive the recognition she truly deserved. Hence, I strongly advocate for providing her with the opportunity to showcase her immense talent on the world stage.

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Keira Walsh is our predictors' hot tip for player of the tournament

Who will win the Women's World Cup?

Who do you think will finish in second place?

"The USA. They're always in and around it, they've won it however many times. You'd expect them to get really far so I think it'll be them."

Who will be the surprise package?

"I'm going to go with Australia. With them hosting, I think they're going to want to come out and perform."

Who will be the top goalscorer?

"Alex Morgan. She's been scoring at that level and on that stage for some time. She's a big game player and I think she'll be in and around it."

Who will be the player of the tournament?

What is the World Cup schedule?

Starting on July 20 and spanning two weeks, the group stage will conclude on August 3. This stage will determine which teams proceed to the round of 16, scheduled from August 5 to August 8, where the group winners and runners-up will continue their journey.

The quarter-finals will occur on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Following this, the first semi-final is scheduled for August 15 in Auckland, while the other semi-final will take place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final match will be held at the Accor Stadium on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.