Details about the Australia squad for the Women's World Cup 2023.
As the highly anticipated Women's World Cup approaches, the Australia Women's team finds itself in a promising position. With a talented squad and a track record of success, they are aiming to make a strong impact on the global stage once again, this time as co-hosts.
Led by head coach Tony Gustavsson, the team has been diligently preparing for the tournament, focusing on fine-tuning their strategies and sharpening their skills. Australia's strength lies in their attacking prowess, led by the prolific Sam Kerr, who serves as the team's captain and all-time leading goalscorer. Kerr's ability to find the back of the net is matched by her leadership qualities, making her an influential figure on and off the field.
With a well-balanced and talented squad, the Matildas are eager to showcase their skills and compete against the world's best and they have the potential to go far in the tournament. They exited the tournament at the quarter-final three times in a row between 2007 and 2015 and were knocked out in the Round-of-16 in the last edition.
Australian fans will be eagerly anticipating the team's performances, hoping to witness memorable moments and a successful campaign on the grandest stage of women's football. Who made it into Australia's Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look.
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GOALKEEPERS
Gustavsson appears to be undecided on his preferred first-choice goalkeeper. While Brighton's Lydia Williams is the more experienced player, the dilemma seems to be between Teagan Micah and Mackenzie Arnold.
Micah has plenty of Champions League experience with Rosengard. However, West Ham keeper Arnold was given the nod in Australia's recent friendly matches and is the most likely to guard the goal at the World Cup
| Name |
Club |
| Lydia Williams |
Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Teagan Micah |
FC Rosengard |
| Mackenzie Arnold |
West Ham United |
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DEFENDERS
Australia may have a concern regarding the fitness of Alanna Kennedy, who has emerged as a strong defensive leader in recent years. Unfortunately, she has faced challenges with injuries throughout the season at Manchester City but if ready to play, she will be a strong contender in defence.
The Matildas have named the same back four in their last two friendlies ahead of the World Cup. That defence included Clare Hunt, Clare Polkinghorne, Charlotte Grant and Ellie Carpenter. However, Arsenal defender Steph Catley is a strong contender for the backline as well.
| Name |
Club |
| Courtney Nevin |
Leicester City |
| Aivi Luik |
BK Hacken |
| Clare Polkinghorne |
Vittsjo GIK |
| Steph Catley |
Arsenal |
| Alanna Kennedy |
Manchester City |
| Clare Hunt |
Western Sydney Wanderers |
| Ellie Carpenter |
Lyon |
| Charlotte Grant |
Vittsjo GIK |
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MIDFIELDERS
Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross had formed the base in the midfield in the last few games. Tameka Yallop is expected to make an impact in the final third and the experienced Emily van Egmond will also be called upon to make an impact when required.
Manager Tony Gustavsson has placed a strong emphasis on providing playing time for younger players within the team. Prominent among them is Cooney-Cross who is expected to have a significant contribution in the middle of the park.
| Name |
Club |
| Clare Wheeler |
Everton |
| Alex Chidiac |
Racing Louisville |
| Emily van Egmond |
San Diego Wave |
| Tameka Yallop |
Brann |
| Katrina Gorry |
Brisbane Roar |
| Kyra Cooney-Cross |
Hammarby IF |
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FORWARDS
Chelsea star Sam Kerr is the undisputed first choice to lead the line for Australia at the World Cup. Although Australia's captain and all-time leading goalscorer has not found the net as frequently this season as compared to previous years, the significance of her goals remains undiminished.
Assisting Kerr in the attacking line will be Caitlin Foord who plays for Arsenal. Foord has enjoyed an outstanding season at both club and international level, showcasing her form and skill.
| Name |
Club |
| Cortnee Vine |
Sydney FC |
| Caitlin Foord |
Arsenal |
| Mary Fowler |
Manchester City |
| Hayley Raso |
Manchester City |
| Kyah Simon |
Tottenham Hotspur |
| Sam Kerr |
Chelsea |