NZ’s Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková has unveiled her squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with 10 players set to make their debut at the sport’s pinnacle event.
New Zealand and Australia are co-hosting the tournament, which kicks off on 20 July at Eden Park, when the Ferns play Norway.
Veterans Ali Riley and Ria Percival will be playing at their fifth World Cup next month in a squad that includes eight players with more than 80 caps.
Among the notable inclusions in the 23-strong squad are the selection of experienced players Annalie Longo and Percival, who both suffered major knee injuries last year.
Defender Rebekah Stott , who was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in early 2021 and underwent treatment before returning to the Ferns early last year, is also in the squad.
Teenager Milly Clegg has been named in her third World Cup in 12 months, having played in the under-17 and under-20 tournaments.
Players currently in New Zealand gathered at Auckland’s Eden Park for the announcement and are being presented with their playing shirt for the tournament by friends, whānau and former Ferns.
A handful of players named have overseas club commitments and will join the team once they are released from their clubs shortly.
Speaking on her team selection, Klimková was proud of the work of all the extended squad during the two-month selection process:
“Firstly, I want to acknowledge all 38 players who have been involved in our training programme leading into the tournament, especially the final group who were part of the process until this week. They are all valued members of the Football Ferns whānau, they should feel proud to represent the best footballers in Aotearoa and have given us some very challenging selection decisions to make.
“Congratulations to our final 23 players selected. I have absolute faith they will give everything for our team and the country come July.
On a ten game winless streak and having slipped to 26th in the world rankings, New Zealand face a tough task to get past pool play at the tournament.
“I believe we have selected a good balance of youth and experience across the squad, from the 10 players making their debuts to other members of the group who have appeared at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups.
“With the extra motivation and excitement surrounding the event on home soil, we now need the country to get behind the team as we look to inspire our nation and deliver one of our best ever performances at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.” (RNZ)
