England are unbeaten since the last tournament and are strong favourites to top their pool, but other groups look more open
England are red-hot favourites to top their pool and to lift the silverware as hosts thanks to their unstoppable form. They have not lost since the 2022 World Cup final and in April added a seventh consecutive Six Nations title to their trophy cabinet, scoring 256 points in their five matches on the way to the title.
They were, however, in equally ruthless form before the last two World Cups only to be beaten by New Zealand in both finals. Whether they can get over the final hurdle remains to be seen but there can be little doubt about the victories they will achieve during the pool stage.
The Red Roses, ranked No 1 in the world by a wide margin, have not lost a World Cup pool match in the history of the women’s tournament which began in 1991. A 13-13 draw against Canada in 2014 is the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record, and that year they went on to lift the trophy.
Australia, the United States and Samoa will all try to inflict an unlikely first defeat on England at this stage of the competition but, barring a huge upset, those three nations will be fighting for the remaining qualification spot alongside the hosts.
