By Jonathan Dixon
BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Following is the FIFA Women's World Cup Group D Preview:
England
FIFA Ranking - 3rd
Best World Cup finish - Third place (2015)
Expectations
The Lionesses showed everyone what they were capable of by winning the SheBelieves Cup earlier in the year and now stand as one of the favorites in France. Expectations are high and head coach, ex-Manchester United and England international fullback, Phil Neville has set the target of winning the competition. The English have found confidence and believe in their style and the minimum expectations for the squad should be to reach the final and outperform their fantastic 2015 efforts. However, last year's finalists Japan have been drawn in the same group and the fortunes of England rest on getting a positive result to have an easier run in the knockout stages.
Key Player
Lucy Bronze - Playing in the same position as coach Phil Neville, Bronze plays for European champions Lyon. Neville described Bronze as the "best player in the world" recently and the way England play Bronze has a major influence over the game despite playing as a right back. Undoubtedly the biggest women's star in the English game, she was essential to England's triumph in the SheBelieves Cup.
Scotland
FIFA Ranking - 20th
Best World Cup finish - N/A (Debut)
Expectations
Scotland arrive at the World Cup full of optimism, a trait not usually associated with Scottish football. With wins in the warm up games against Jamaica and Brazil and a draw against Chile, Scotland have every right to hope they will qualify from the group stage. Although "auld enemies" England and Japan look like impossible tasks to overcome, a win against Argentina could be enough to qualify if a few other results go their way.
Key Player
Erin Cuthbert - The 20 year old midfielder Cuthbert made an impact for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. While still young and with a long road ahead of her, she has shown by scoring in the Champions League semifinals against European heavyweights that she has the mentality to perform in the biggest games. Her spark going forward will be key to Scotland if they have any hopes of progressing.
Argentina
FIFA Ranking - 37th
Best World Cup finish - Group Stage (2003, 2007)
Expectations
Unlike the men's team, Argentina's women have not had the same levels of success. In fact, the women are yet to win a World Cup group stage game. Subsequently, expectations for Argentina in France are incredibly low and a single victory would be a great achievement. The Argentinians will be looking at the game against Scotland as crucial to their success in this year's tournament.
Key Player
Sole Jaimes - Plying her trade for the undisputed queens of European football, Lyon, Jaimes stands out from the rest of her teammates. Since her move to Lyon at the start of the season, Jaimes has lifted the Champions League and dragged her national side into the world cup with her goal scoring ability.
Japan
FIFA Ranking - 7th
Best World Cup finish - Winners (2011)
Expectations
Winners in 2011, finalists in 2015, the expectation again is to win the tournament. Japan offer quality across the pitch, however, with one of the most competitive world cups in memory the Japanese women are up against it if they are to replicate their previous successes. A huge game against the rising stars of England await Japan and the winner of that game could see their fortunes at the competition turn accordingly.
Key Player
Saki Kumagai - Another star from Lyon and another star of the global game. Kumagai is a skillful and intelligent defender and if Japan want to reach the final they will need her organization in defense to stop some of the best attacking stars in the game. At 28, Kumagai is at the height of her powers and was recently nominated as the FIFA's Best player in the World.
