Excitement is ramping up for the women's World Cup. While England’s Lionesses first match will be against Scotland on 9 June, we didn't know exactly who would be hitting the pitch.

Yesterday, however, the squad was announced by a couple of famous faces. And by famous, we mean the likes of Emma Watson, David Beckham and James Corden, who all took to social media to reveal each member.

Prince William was first up to announce Steph Houghton, will captain the 23-person team at this summer's Women's World Cup.

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'The countdown is on to a momentous summer of football as our Lionesses head to France to take on the world's best at the Women's World Cup,' said William.

'Today marks an important moment on that journey as the England squad is officially revealed. On that note it gives me great pleasure to be able to announce that England's defensive rock and captain Steph Houghton will be on the plane to France.

'Steph, congratulations. I know you and the team will do the nation proud. Good luck!'

Doing a 3-2-1 countdown, actor Emma Watson revealed defender Demi Stokes' selection with a picture of her on her T-Shirt.

Current England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, forward Raheem Sterling and ex-captain David Beckham took part too.

Pickford announced Karen Bardsley, Sterling did Georgia Stanway, while Beckham confirmed Nikita Parris' selection and that she will be wearing the No 7 shirt.



Singer Anne-Marie also got involved as she announced Rachel Day, while James Corden revealed striker Ellen White had made the final cut.

Here's the squad in full:

Both players and their manager, Phil Neville, told ELLE UK last week they're thinking equally about 'putting on a spectacle' and creating buzz that will draw record supporters of women’s football.

'We wanted each player to have a special moment when their name was revealed, knowing they are going to a World Cup, as I never did as a player,' said Neville.

'It is the biggest thing in their lives and something they’ve dreamed about. We have to make these players visible, we want everybody around the world to buy in to what will be the biggest Women’s World Cup of all time.'



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Louise Donovan
Deputy Digital Editor
Louise Donovan is the Deputy Digital Editor at ELLE UK, with a focus on international women's rights, global development and human interest stories. She's reported from countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.