Vera Pauw has revealed that the final 23-player World Cup Squad will be announced on Wednesday rather than Thursday, as previously planned.
Having had the opportunity to impress during Ireland’s 3-2 victory vs Zambia, players will be hoping they have done enough to have secured a seat on the plane.
FT | IRELAND 3-2 ZAMBIA
What a win for the Girls in Green ⚽️⚽️⚽️#COYGIG | #WeAreOne | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/idpF4FDF9B
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 22, 2023
While the players anxiously await the squad announcement, Pauw knows that it will “destroy dreams” and is not taking any decisions made lightly. With a training squad of 31 players, Pauw has to cut it down to 23, allowing for an extra 3 reserves to travel with the team.
WNT squad confirmed for pre-World Cup Training Camp 👊#COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/DitsZp6T77
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 9, 2023
For players like Denise O’Sullivan, Marissa Sheva and Sinead Farelly, all based in the US, they will be hoping that their performances in the NWSL have been enough to secure their places, having missed out on Ireland’s friendly vs Zambia.
Having not been called up to the training squad due to a knee injury, Mannion could be a surprise addition to Ireland’s 23-player squad.
With many players vying for positions, Pauw has opted to make the announcement sooner rather than later to ease the anxious minds of her players.
Come Wednesday morning 23-players will be ecstatic having secured their seat on the plane, while unfortunately others will have their dreams of a first World Cup debut not come true.