The Football Ferns have named its squad for two upcoming two international friendly matches against Japan as the Ferns last matches before the Paris Olympics.
Japan are ranked seventh in the world and will be a tough challenge for the 28th ranked Ferns. The matches will be played in Murcia, Spain in early June.
Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková said the team will use the friendlies against Japan as an opportunity to test themselves against a higher ranked opposition.
"With the Paris Olympics just over two months away — where we know we will be facing some of the top teams in the world — it is important to challenge ourselves against a side like Japan so we can be as prepared as possible for our games in late July," said Klimková.
Klimková announced her squad yesterday and said the team features young players hoping to make maiden Olympics appearances as well as experienced players who have been to the Games.
“The squad represents the blend we are looking to establish, with some exciting young talent who have potential to lift the Ferns for the next decade."
The squad features three players who play their club football in the NWSL in the US — Macey Fraser, Ali Riley and Milly Clegg.
Fraser recently moved to the Utah Royals after an impressive first season with the Wellington Phoenix.
Eighteen-year-old Clegg returns to the squad from her hamstring injury which kept her out of the side for the team’s recent fixtures.
In the Ferns' most recent matches in Christchurch, they took a 4-0 win against Thailand alongside a 0-0 draw to extend an unbeaten run to seven matches.
The Football Ferns Olympic group pool includes France, Canada, and Colombia who are all ranked higher than the Ferns in FIFA’s world rankings.
The 24 player squad will be cut down to 18 for the Paris Olympics.
Football Ferns squad to take on Japan in two international friendlies:
Mackenzie Barry, CJ Bott, Katie Bowen, Claudia Bunge, Daisy Cleverley, Milly Clegg Victoria Esson, Michaela Foster, Macey Fraser, Ally Green, Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale, Katie Kitching, Anna Leat , Meikayla Moore, Grace Neville, Gabi Rennie, Ali Riley, Indiah-Paige Riley, Murphy Sheaff, Malia Steinmetz, Rebekah Stott, Kate Taylor, Hannah Wilkinson.
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