England v Scotland match possible at Women's World Cup

But Phil Neville's Lionesses will join World Cup holders and three-time winners the United States, hosts France plus Germany, Canada and Australia in Pot 1.

Holland, the biggest climbers inside the top 20 in jumping three spots to seven, are in the second pot alongside 2015 runners-up Japan, plus Brazil, Norway, Spain and Sweden.

Scotland, ranked 20th, have qualified for their first World Cup and are in Pot 3 with China, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand.

The two British nations could be pitted together when the draw is made in Paris on Saturday at 5pm UK time.

Apart from UEFA, the six groups of four will contain no more than one team from each confederation.

Europe has nine representatives, and all groups will have a minimum of one and maximum of two European teams.

The tournament kicks off in Paris on June 7 and Lyon will host the final on July 7.

England's preparations will include taking part at the SheBelieves Cup for the fourth successive year.

The round-robin competition will see England play Brazil, Japan and hosts the United States in late February and early March.

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