The list reflects influence across every line
Hampton represents England in goal, Bronze and Greenwood in defence, Toone in midfield and Russo in attack. That spread shows that the recognition is not built around one successful area of the team. It covers players responsible for starting attacks, protecting the box, creating chances and finishing them.
A peer vote also rewards qualities that may not always dominate public highlights. Players notice positioning, communication and decision-making because they face those details directly. The selection therefore measures professional respect as well as goals, trophies and individual statistics.
Bronze extends a record of remarkable consistency
The World 11 was announced on 9 November after a shortlist of 26 finalists. Bronze was selected for the ninth time, extending a run that began in 2017. She also reached 145 England appearances during the 2025-26 season.
Hampton earned a second consecutive selection after remaining England’s first-choice goalkeeper and producing another strong club campaign with Chelsea. Her distribution is as important as her saves because it allows the team to invite pressure and play through it.
Greenwood, Toone and Russo were recognised for different strengths
Greenwood captained Manchester City through a season that included the Women’s Super League title and Women’s FA Cup. Her left-footed passing gives both club and country a way to change the point of attack from the back.
Toone combines movement between the lines with a record of decisive goals for England. Russo provides a central reference for Arsenal and the Lionesses, linking attacks as well as finishing them. She featured in all ten England matches during the campaign and scored five times.
The five selections strengthen competition inside the England squad
Aggie Beever-Jones and Chloe Kelly also reached the 26-player shortlist, so the recognition extends beyond the final five. That depth matters as England prepare for the next stage of World Cup qualification and future Nations League matches.
Individual awards do not guarantee the next result, but they confirm the standard already present in the group. England can now use that experience while continuing to develop younger players. The challenge is to keep the same clarity and intensity after a season in which many senior figures played heavy schedules for club and country.