Republic of Ireland Women coming together before the game. Photo Credit: FAI
The Republic of Ireland Women’s World Cup squad announcement for the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand took place on Wednesday, June 28th.
After a provisional squad of 31 players took part in a training camp, Ireland manager Vera Pauw narrowed it down to 23 names to board the plane, with three players, also traveling, as ‘training players’. The team heading Down Under for Ireland Women’s first-ever major tournament will be captained by Arsenals Katie McCabe, while 2 home-based players, will also be traveling.
There is disappointment for Aoife Mannion and Megan Campbell who miss out after a battle to regain full fitness after sustaining injuries, while Jamie Finn is the most notable omission from the 23-player squad, having started the majority of Irelands qualifying matches, including the playoff game against Scotland. Pauw explained her decision behind Finns’ absence, saying “We have changed tactically our playing system”.
"I've broken dreams and that's devastating"
🇮🇪 Ireland manager Vera Pauw speaks to @Corktod after naming her final 23-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup #IRLWNT #COYGIG #RTESoccer
Full squad: https://t.co/HcDNhEoG9O pic.twitter.com/7UIQHNCMYy
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 28, 2023
Whilst many talented players missed out on the call up, it provided the opportunity for other players to step up and represent their country. As the youngest member of the squad, teenager sensation Abbie Larkin made her international debut at just 16. Making valuable runs on the wing, Larkin’s vision and positioning are key to her play. The teenager is tipped as one of the stars of the future, but already is a regular starter and holding her own in an experienced squad.
Ireland kick off their World Cup campaign, against host nation Australia, on July 20th, at 11am BST.
Check out the Republic of Ireland WNT Women’s World Cup 2023 squad below.
Goalkeepers
Courtney Brosnan – Everton
Grace Moloney – Reading
Megan Walsh – Brighton & Hove Albion
Defenders
Heather Payne – Florida State University
Áine O’Gorman – Shamrock Rovers
Niamh Fahey – Liverpool
Louise Quinn – Birmingham City
Diane Caldwell – Reading
Claire O’Riordan – Celtic
Megan Connolly – Brighton & Hove Albion
Chloe Mustaki – Bristol City
Izzy Atkinson – West Ham United
Midfielders
Katie McCabe – Arsenal
Denise O’Sullivan – North Carolina Courage
Lily Agg – London City Lionesses
Ruesha Littlejohn – Aston Villa
Ciara Grant – Hearts
Sinead Farrely – NJ/NY Gotham
Lucy Quinn – Birmingham City
Forwards
Kyra Carusa – London City Lionesses
Amber Barrett – Standard Liege
Marrisa Sheva – Washington Spirit
Abbie Larkin – Shamrock Rovers
Training Players
Sophie Whitehouse – Lewes AFC
Harriet Scott – Birmingham City
Jamie Finn – Birmingham City
To read more Women’s World Cup related articles, click here.
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