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Ellen White, a legend of the Lionesses, has tipped Michelle Agyemang as the key to securing World Cup victory for England. Fresh from their European championship triumph, where they bested Spain, the team now have their sights set on world domination in Brazil.

White, who holds the record as England's top scorer with 50 goals, singled out 19 year old prodigy Agyemang as one of the players who could make the dream a reality. Agyemang, who is currently on loan at Arsenal at Brighton & Hove Albion WFC from Arsenal, scored twice in her four appearances at the Euros, including vital last-minute equalisers in both the quarter and semi-finals, was subsequently crowned young player of the tournament.

"I think she's got a really amazing opportunity," said White. "She was phenomenal at the Euros and I think just having a couple more years to really hone her talent, it will put us in great stead."

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"She's got an amazing stature, amazing presence, amazing technical ability and it's just about honing her talent and not trying to accelerate it at the same time. It was accelerated at the Euros a little bit, but I think it's just giving her time and giving her experience of playing domestic football in the WSL and giving her more experience in the international stage."

White was part of the England team that clinched the European Championship for the first time in 2022. Now retired from professional football, she's dedicating her time to encouraging youngsters to get involved in sport and football.

Last weekend, she made an appearance at the Más+ by Messi 1v1 World Crown tournament, a competition where both women and men compete to be crowned the UK's top baller.

The victors of the male and female competitions then have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the world final in Miami, where football legend Lionel Messi will be present.

Ellen said: "So many of us were out in cage football, on the streets, in local communities, playing football. And I feel like that 1v1 style is so exciting and intense. It brings people together.

"When you see someone on a football pitch for 11-a-side and you see those wingers or whoever, and they're taking on someone 1v1, it gets you up off your seat."

Ellen also singled out Lioness star Lauren Hemp as a player who could transition from 11-a-side to the unique 1v1 format – but didn't rate her own chances.

"I don't think 1v1 was quite my style. I was more running and throwing myself about. I might have been better at defending if I'm being perfectly honest."

Ellen suggested that the WSL and Premier League could take a leaf out of emerging sports such as the 1v1 tournament. "It's thinking outside the box and considering how we can give as many opportunities to our local community, for whoever to get into sport, both male and female.

"I feel like this kind of 1v1 game is amazing. It's fast-paced, exciting, it's intense. I think that's really exciting and a sense of community and togetherness as well."