Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has unveiled his 23-player squad for the Women’s World Cup and has rolled the dice on a number of stars under injury clouds.
Sam Kerr will headline the historic squad as skipper and Steph Catley to be the vice-captain, with the Matildas set to begin their World Cup journey against Ireland on July 20.
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Emily Gielnik, Larissa Crummer, Remy Siemsen, Chloe Logarzo, Amy Sayer and Jada Whyman were the unfortunate group of six to miss out.
Kyah Simon is one major inclusion given she had barely played any football since injuring her ACL last October.
However, the 111-cap Matildas veteran’s injury issues would not force her to miss out on a second consecutive Women’s World Cup having been absent from the 2019 iteration of the tournament due to injury.
15 players from the Matildas’ 2019 World Cup squad will reprise their roles, with seven set to make their World Cup debuts.
The 2023 tournament will have great importance for Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne, with the duo to have the tremendous distinction of being the only male or female Australian players to compete at five World Cups.
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With the squad now settled after multiple international windows and several players used, Gustavsson is excited to have locked in the 23 players who will look to make history.
“I am delighted to see the progression of the team as it is a result of their dedication to be prepared for this moment,” Gustavsson said.
“To see so many debutants for the tournament speaks to the hard work of the players themselves, but also the coaching staff and support staff as we looked to build depth in the squad.
“This is a special group of players who, when you see the anticipation around the tournament and level of interest for women’s football, have already sparked a transformation.
“We can’t wait to get the tournament underway in front of a record crowd of support.”
MATILDAS WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Haley Raso, Kyah Simon, Cortnee Vine