With a 20-match winning streak and a commanding lead in the world rankings, the Red Roses are the obvious favorites to surpass their 2022 performance in New Zealand.
England could only face world number two Canada or reigning champions New Zealand in the final if the top-seeded team wins each pool.
After not making it to the last competition, Ireland—who earlier this month earned a historic upset victory over New Zealand in WXV—is now drawn with the Black Ferns, Japan, and Spain.
The runners-up from the group that includes Scotland and Wales—who have been drawn together for the second consecutive tournament—Canada and Fiji might face England in the quarterfinals.
France, who were top seeds along with the Red Roses, Canada, and New Zealand, are England’s most likely opponents in the round of four. They are in a group with South Africa, Italy, and Brazil.
Maggie Alphonsi, the 2014 World Cup winner for England, handled the draw on the news show.
