United States Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has named the 24-player roster set to face England and Spain for the October friendlies, with Sophia Smith and Megan Rapinoe paving the way.
The USWNT will play European Champions England at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on October 7, before traveling to Pamplona to take on Spain only four days later.
Crystal Dunn is making her return to the team for the first time since September 2021, after being absent while pregnant with her first child. But Alex Morgan will be notably missing from the roster, sitting out the October window with a knee injury.
Andonovski called on youngster Alyssa Thompson to take the veteran’s place, awarding the 17-year-old her first senior cap after a great performance at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
“These are big tests for our team in front of crowds cheering against us and after long travel, but our players absolutely love games like these,” said Andonovski.
“The group we are bringing to Europe includes players who have a lot of experience against top European teams and some that don’t, so these games are even more critical for our growth as our team. Our whole squad needs to get a clear picture of what these games are like as we continue to prepare for the World Cup.”
The upcoming friendly between the USWNT and England stands as their 19th-ever meeting, as the American side holds the edge with a 12W-4D-2L record against the Lionesses. The two teams last faced each other in the Women’s World Cup semifinal, where Morgan famously scored the team’s second goal to inspire the 2-1 victory.
But the American victory came before England brought in Sarina Wiegman as manager. Since taking charge in September 2021, England have gone unbeaten.
Here’s the full roster…
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
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