With three teams ranked inside the world’s top14, including the reigning European and Asian champions, this is one of the most competitive groups – with the exception of Haiti, who could hardly have feared a tougher baptism. England averaged eight goals a game in qualifying, Denmark five and China almost four. With goal difference a potential progression factor, nobody is likely to take pity on the Caribbean debutants.
When the group were the clear favourites, but Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses have since suffered a debilitating run of injuries.