United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) coach Vlatko Andonovski faces tough decisions as he names his 23-player squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. ESPN analyst Sebastian Salazar predicts the roster and highlights the challenges Andonovski will encounter in finalizing his team for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The squad includes familiar faces such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, who will be representing the USWNT for the fourth time in their careers. Additionally, 14 players will be making their World Cup debuts, bringing a mix of experience and fresh talent to the team.
One notable inclusion is veteran Julie Ertz, who recently returned from an injury that kept her away from the game for an extended period. Her Angel City FC teammate and NWSL No. 1 pick in 2023, Alyssa Thompson, also secured a spot on the roster.
At 37 years old, Rapinoe is the oldest player on the team, while 18-year-old Thompson is the youngest. Thompson’s selection makes her the fourth teenager and second youngest player ever to be named to a U.S. World Cup roster, following in the footsteps of current USWNT assistant coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak.
However, the USWNT will be without captain and veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who was left out of the squad due to a foot injury sustained in April. Sauerbrunn, a two-time World Cup winner, confirmed that she will not recover in time for the tournament. Other injured players, including Mallory Swanson and midfielders Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario, will also miss the competition.
Andonovski acknowledges the difficulty of selecting a World Cup team but expresses pride in the players’ work ethic and the coaching staff’s efforts to assemble the best possible squad. He emphasizes the impact that the players have on the team’s environment and their motivation to make their country proud at the World Cup.
The USWNT, the two-time defending champions, will compete in Group E against the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Portugal. All of their matches will take place in New Zealand. This edition of the Women’s World Cup will be the first to feature 32 teams, an increase from the previous 24, both of which were won by the United States.
The full U.S. Women’s National Team roster includes players from various clubs, with notable names such as Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, and Alex Morgan. The team boasts a combination of experienced veterans and promising young talents.
As the tournament approaches, Andonovski’s decisions will be crucial in shaping the USWNT’s chances of securing a historic third consecutive World Cup title.
How will Riod. Ertz’s return to the midfield impact the USWNT’s performance in the upcoming tournament?
Riod. Ertz’s return provides a much-needed boost to the midfield and adds versatility to the team. It is expected that she will play a crucial role in the squad.
Another key player to watch out for is Mallory Pugh, who has shown great promise in recent years. Despite her young age, Pugh has already proven herself at the international level and is expected to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Defensively, the USWNT will rely on the experienced duo of Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper. Both players have been a rock at the back for the team in previous campaigns and will provide stability and leadership to the young players.
In terms of goalkeeping, Alyssa Naeher is expected to continue as the team’s first-choice keeper. Naeher has established herself as a reliable presence in between the posts and will be instrumental in the team’s quest for another World Cup title.
Overall, Vlatko Andonovski faces a difficult task in selecting the final 23-player roster. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, he will need to strike a balance to ensure the team’s success. The USWNT is known for its depth and quality, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad will undoubtedly be a formidable force to reckon with.
With so much talent at his disposal, Vlatko Andonovski certainly has his work cut out for him when selecting the final roster for the USWNT World Cup. It’s a tough position to be in, but he’s proved himself before and I trust he will make the best decisions for the team’s success. Let’s go, USWNT!