Mary Earps joins Man Utd and Man City stars on 2023 FIFPRO Women’s World XI shortlist

A 23-strong list of stars have been named as nominees for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women's World XI, with eight England players among them. World Cup Golden Glove winner and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Mary Earps is one of the Lionesses in contention.

The Manchester United shot-stopper helped England reach their first ever Women's World Cup final last year. Sarina Wiegman's side finished top of their group and saw off Nigeria, Colombia and hosts Australia in the knockouts but fell agonisingly short to Spain at the last hurdle. However, England's efforts have continued to inspire the nation following their fairytale Euro 2022 triumph.

Earps is joined by club teammate Ella Toone and Manchester City's Alex Greenwood on the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women's World XI shortlist. Former United stars Alessia Russo and Lauren James — now at Arsenal and Chelsea respectively — have also made the final 23.

Rounding off the list of English nominees are Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, who of course have all previously played for City.

How is the Women's World XI decided?

More than 6,000 women’s football players have cast their votes for their team of the year based on performances from 1st August 2022 to 20th August 2023. Out of the 23-player shortlist, the 11 with the most votes will be included in the final team.

Three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, plus the goalkeeper will be decided based on the most votes received. The remaining outfield spot will then be awarded to the player with the next highest number of votes.

Who is nominated for the Women's World XI?

Goalkeepers

• Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham, Australia) Mary Earps (Man United, England) Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars, USA)

Defenders

• Lucy Bronze (Barcelona, England) Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain) Alex Greenwood (Man City, England) Amanda Ilestedt (PSG/Arsenal, Sweden) Ashley Lawrence (PSG/Chelsea, Canada) María León (Barcelona, Spain) Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)

Midfielders

• Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain) Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain) Fridolina Rolfö (Barcelona, Sweden) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich, England) Ella Toone (Man United, England) Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)

Forwards

• Jenni Hermoso (Pachuca/Tigres, Spain) Lauren James (Chelsea, England) Sam Kerr (Chelsea, Australia) Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave, USA) Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain) Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg, Germany) Alessia Russo (Man United/Arsenal, England)

When will the winners be announced?

The Women's World XI will be announced on Monday, 15th January 2024 at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London, England.