Khiara Keating in for Mary Earps, Grace Clinton starts and Lucy Bronze’s last chance – potential Lionesses team at the 2027 Women’s World Cup

As much as we might love them, the current Lionesses squad, who are enjoying so much success, cannot play forever.

Rachel Daly's shock retirement from international duty at the age of just 32 came as a stark reminder of that.

Daly is the third player who feature at England's glorious Euro 2022 campaign to retire, following Jill Scott and Ellen White.

It is a sign that a number of the more experienced Lionesses may well soon be thinking about hanging up their boots.

The good news is that, as England's recent camps have demonstrated, the crop of young talent coming through the ranks is promising indeed.

By the time the next World Cup rolls around in 2027, Sarina Wiegman will likely have experimented with even more younger players in her squad, some of whom will undoubtedly have fought their way into the starting line-up.

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Goalkeeper

Although the current preferred England No.1 Mary Earps will likely still be a firm fixture within Wiegman's squad, it is possible that her starting place will no longer be secure.

In 2027, she will be 34 and perhaps nearing the end of her playing days.

Earps is already facing competition for her spot, particularly from Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton, who started in England's 2-0 Euro qualifier victory over the Republic of Ireland.

But in three years time, there is another keeper who looks set to fight her way into the preferred starting line-up.

Khiara Keating might only be at the beginning of her career, but the 19-year-old Manchester City keeper is already making her case to Wiegman.

Keating did the same at club level, outperforming internationals Ellie Roebuck and Sandy McIver to cement herself as City's preferred keeper.

Defenders

It is a saddening thought to think there will be a day when centre-backs Leah Williamson, 27, and Millie Bright, 30, no longer play for England.

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But both have had injuries recently and could well go down the same route as Daly when it comes to hanging up their international boots prior to the World Cup in 2027.

The good news for England is that there are a number of up and coming defenders ready to take their place.

Manchester United centre-back Maya Le Tissier has already made three England appearances, narrowly missing out on a World Cup call-up last year.

But her calm manner on the pitch makes her a natural successor to Williamson.

Likewise, Bristol City's Naomi Layzell has already caught the eye of Wiegman.

She was one of the members of the Under-23 squad called up to train with the senior team during England's recent friendlies in Spain.

In a few years time, the pairing of Le Tissier and Layzell could well be just as reliable as that of Williamson and Bright.

Chelsea defender Niamh Charles, 24, has also already begun to cement her place in the England setup and is sure to be a permanent fixture come the next World Cup.

But there is one member of England Euro 2022 squad who is unlikely to be going anywhere before the next World Cup - even though she is the oldest player in the squad.

Lucy Bronze - whose middle name, incidentally, is Tough - wants to win a World Cup perhaps more than any other Lioness.

The right-back will be 35 by the next World Cup, but that is unlikely to stop her from fighting to keep her place in the starting line-up.

And, knowing Bronze attitude, that might not even be her last major tournament.

Midfielders

While England have been reliant upon the skill of Keira Walsh in midfield for some time now, a successor may already have presented herself.

Breakout star Grace Clinton has already made herself a fan-favourite, scoring on her debut and earning herself a start in their recent Euro qualifier against Sweden.

The 21-year-old Spurs star - on loan from Man United - has a particularly impressive work rate and has already shown herself capable of being the link player England so desperately rely on.

England's current midfield are mostly still in their mid-twenties, but if Clinton fights her way into the starting line-up, then it is likely to be an experienced Georgia Stanway, 25, who flanks her.

Stanway offers the long-range goal threat that Walsh perhaps does not, making her a good counterpart to Clinton.

To round off the midfield, current England Under-23 captain and Liverpool star Missy Bo Kearns is already on the verge of breaking into the senior squad and is a standby for the current group.

The 22-year-old was awarded the Women's Football Awards Young Player of the Year last year - and for good reason.

Kearns' pace and leadership qualities make her a clear choice for Wiegman in years to come - and perhaps eventually even a candidate for the captaincy.

Forwards

Another familiar name who is likely to still be tearing down the flanks for England in three years time is Lauren Hemp.

It is had to believe Hemp is just 23-years-old - but it does mean the winger is likely to grace England's games for many years to come.

The other winger spot has been far more changeable as of late, with Lauren James, Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead all taking up the position at various time.

However, it's more than likely James will get the nod given her outstanding talent - but what a plethora of talent for Wiegman to have.

With England's struggles to settle on a convincing number nine in recent games, it is not a stretch to imagine that they will look for an entirely new candidate before the next World Cup.

Enter Aggie Beaver-Jones - the Chelsea striker who has already starred for the Lionesses at youth level.

She's now firmly in Wiegman's thinking having named in the squad to face France, Republic of Ireland and Sweden in June and July.

And teammate Mille Bright is certainly impressed, she said: "Her runs in behind, her pace, she is a wonderful technician on the ball but most importantly she puts the ball in the back of the net so she is a great addition to the squad,' added Bright.

"She's quite cheeky actually – I know she might come across as an angel. She's a real good character, a real good girl, super humble, super caring and committed.

"Whatever task you give her she will fulfil to the best of her ability. She's really bubbly as well. Losing Rachel Daly, it's nice to have those characters and that bubbliness.

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