Image source, Getty Images

England's Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby are among the 15 nominees for the inaugural Women's Ballon d'Or award.

Defender Bronze was part of the Lyon side that won last season's Champions League, while forward Kirby won a Super League and FA Cup double with Chelsea.

Brazil and Orlando Pride forward Marta, who won the best female player award at theBest Fifa Football Awardsin London last month, also makes the list.

The ceremony to announce the winner will take place in Paris on 3 December.

So with Phil Neville saying women's football is ready to "explode" in England, we've analysed how much of an impact a successful World Cup campaign would have on boosting participation and engagement in the women's game.

TV deals, record crowds and increased participation were all benefits of England reaching the semi-finals at two major tournaments - the World Cup four years ago and the European Championship in 2017.

"It inspires girls to play," said Kelly Simmons, the director of the women's professional game at the FA.

Read Emma Sanders' piece here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Neville was appointed as national manager in January,and the former Manchester United defender is hoping to improve on the team's previous best World Cup showing of third place in 2015.

"I think this is probably our moment really, where it can explode," said the 41-year-old.

"We did unbelievably well at the last World Cup in Canada, to finish third, which started the ball rolling.

"It has kicked on from there with us getting to the semi-finals in the [2017] Euros.

"Now we have to start getting to finals and winning.

"That is the only way we are going to inspire the next generation, by seeing a gold medal around our necks and lifting the trophy."

Right, time for a cuppa. Here's some reading to accompany your half-time refreshment...

Alex Scott
Ex-Arsenal Ladies & England international on Radio Five live sports extra

England really need to stay switched on, they're still vulnerable to the counter-attack but other than that they've been great.

Everyone wants more goals from this side obviously but sometimes the luck just isn't going your way with decisions. Mead has been excellent down on the right as has Fran Kirby up front.

If anything I'm disappointed in how little Australia have offered!

Image source, Rex Features

Good half from England. But they could - and should - be more than goal to the good.

Not only because they have dominated the opening 45 minutes but because they have seen a legitimate goal chalked off and a stonewall penalty turned down.

Beth Mead is furious and having the sort of word with the referee that you'd expect to include some coarse language...

Alex Scott
Ex-Arsenal Ladies & England international on Radio Five live sports extra

I had my hands up thinking it's a penalty, Mead's clearly been bought down in the box, that's as definite a penalty as you get.

Surely? Beth Mead is cleaned out by Australian opponent Caitlin Foord in the box. The ref says no. Well...

Alex Scott
Ex-Arsenal Ladies & England international on Radio Five live sports extra

Once again it's Beth Mead, flicks it round the corner to Fran Kirby who squares it across to Staniforth who is seen to be in an offside position.

Why didn't Fran shoot? I think we all expected the striker to bury that!

Not entirely sure what is wrong with that goal to be honest. Kirby was onside, as was Staniforth because she was behind her team-mate when she released the pass.

England have the ball in the onion bag for a second time... but it won't count. Lucy Staniforth is denied a first international goal by the flag.

Fran Kirby springs the Australian offside trap to race onto Beth Mead's incisive throughball, Kirby squaring to Staniforth who taps in.

Steph Houghton lurks at the far side of the penalty box, right on the 18-yard line. The skipper's hand is waving in the air. Lucy Staniforth has spotted her, whipping in a curling ball. Too much pace and the ball goes out for a goal kick.

Another one for England before half-time would not be a flattering scoreline. And they have a free-kick about 35 yards out...

England's dominance is waning a little, Australia looking more disciplined and organised when out of possession.

Rob Stevens
BBC Sport at Craven Cottage

England are good value for their lead, with Beth Mead having several chances in the first half.

But the Arsenal striker was provider as she showed good composure after picking up Mackenzie Arnold’s poor clearance to find Fran Kirby.

There was never any doubt that Kirby, nominated for the Ballon d’Or, would then turn and fire in her 12th international goal.

Boss Phil Neville will be hoping the Lionesses continue to attack and add to their advantage, having failed to do so against Brazil on Saturday.

Image source, Reuters

Australia charge straight on the counter after that near-miss for England. A slick move ends in Princess Ibini shooting low towards the near post, Mary Earps getting her gloves dirty again.

Alex Scott
Ex-Arsenal Ladies & England international on Radio Five live sports extra

Beth Mead reacts quickly to Steph Houghton's header and she's off celebrating only for the goal to be disallowed, it just wasn't quite over the line.

But yet again, it's Mead causing all the problems.

This match is switching ends quicker than an NBA game now...

An England corner is met by Steph Houghton's forehead, with only the inside of the post denying the Lionesses captain.

Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold and England's Beth Mead both pounce for the ball like a pair of hungry hippos going for a hovering fly, Mead's toe reaching the ball first.

Has she poked the ball under Arnold and over the line? She thinks so. The assistant ref thinks otherwise.

Play on!

Image source, Rex Features

England might be dominating but there are a few warning signs at the other end. A dangerous cross from the wonderfully-named Princess Ibini-Isei is almost met by Lisa De Vanna before England hack clear.

When I was 16 I was playing crossbar challenge on my local school field. Amy Sayer is playing a full international for her country.

The talented teenager drills a 20-yard shot goalwards, it has the power but not the precision. England keeper Mary Earps makes which is pretty much her first save of the match.