Spain

Coach: JORGE VILDA

Led “La Roja” to France with eight wins out of eight in qualifying, where they scored 25 goals and conceded only 2. His rebuild of the Spanish side since the last World Cup has been a revelation and, as a result, they have high hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

Star player: IRENE PAREDES

Despite operating in central defence, Paredes was Spain’s second-top scorer in qualifying, with four goals. Her strength and leadership qualities mean the Paris Saint-Germain star is considered one of the best defenders in the women’s game.

China PR

Coach: JIA XIUQUAN

A former Chinese men’s international, Xiuquan counted Partizan Belgrade amongst his clubs during a 17-year playing career. He took charge of the “Steel Roses” in May of last year and led them without fuss to thie finals in France.

Star player: LI YING

China’s talisman bagged seven goals in five appearances at last year’s Asian Women’s Cup and was instrumental in ensuring her country’s qualification for France. Her tenacity and deadly eye for goal will be needed if China have hopes of progression.

Germany

Coach: MARTINA VOSS-TECKLENBERG

Germany’s new coach did not take charge until after the qualifiers for France were complete. However, she has pedigree at World Cup level, where she starred as a player for Germany, and as a manager, where she led Switzerland’s women to the World Cup and European Championships for the first time in their history.

Star player: DZSENIFER MAROZSAN

A midfield stalwart for Lyon’s all-conquering side, with Germany, Marozsan has won the European Championships at both Under-17 and senior level, as well as Olympic Gold at Rio 2016 and an Under-20 World Cup. She is a shrewd playmaker, and accomplished goal-scorer.

South Africa

Coach: DESIREE ELLIS

The first manager to lead South Africa to a Women’s World Cup, Ellis is considered a pioneer of the women’s game in her native country. She secured qualification for the “Banyana Banyana” by guiding them to victory over Mali in the semi-finals of last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Star player: JANINE VAN WYK

Since making her first international appearance 14 years ago, van Wyk has become the most capped South African player of any gender. Most recently starring for US side Houston Dash, the defender won her 150th cap in September of last year.