Celebrating International Women’s Day, FIFPro has announced its Women’s World XI, an all-star team selected by top female players.

Lucy Bronze becomes the first English women to make the Women’s World XI, compiled by the world  footballers’ association and voted by more than 4,100 female first-division footballers in 45 countries based on 2017 performances.

It is the third time that FIFPro has organised this unique poll, in which footballers select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the 2017 FIFPro Women’s World XI is as follows:

Goalkeeper

Hedvig Lindahl (Sweden – Chelsea FC)

Defenders

Lucy Bronze (England – Olympique Lyonnais)

Nilla Fischer (Sweden – VfL Wolfsburg)

Wendie Renard (France – Olympique Lyonnais)

Irene Paredes (Spain – Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders

Camille Abily (France – Olympique Lyonnais)

Dzsenifer Marozsán (Germany – Olympique Lyonnais)

Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil – Orlando Pride)

Attackers

Pernille Harder (Denmark – VfL Wolfsburg)

Lieke Martens (The Netherlands – FC Barcelona)

Alex Morgan (United States – Orlando Pride)

Lucy Bronze, who plays her professional football in France for Olympique Lyonnais, received the second highest number of votes behind Lieke Martens of FC Barcelona.

Speaking of her inclusion in the team Lucy, said: “It’s a very nice feeling to be in the World XI. The awards where players have voted for you are the best ones. It’s voted for by the players who are playing against you – so they voted for me because they didn’t like playing against me.

“I feel I have been quite consistent since my first big year, the World Cup year in 2015. Reaching the Champions League semi-final with Manchester City last year gave me more exposure and that’s when people start to give you more recognition.”

Lucy has been in the United States for the four team, SheBelieves Cup, which saw them finish second after losing to the hosts under new England coach Phil Neville.

Speaking of Phil, she said “Phil has been really good at bringing in new tactics. We’ve always believed we can outwork other teams, the players are in great shape.

“Now we have added a new side: being brave on the ball. We’re not scared to maintain the ball. We won’t be dictated to. It’s really good timing for me because that is what I am learning since I joined Lyon last summer. Lyon are the best team in the world at keeping possession.”

Image: PA Images