Ward names squad for France & Netherlands World Cup Qualifiers

Ward names squad for France & Netherlands World Cup Qualifiers

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Head Coach Carla Ward has selected a 23-player squad for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifiers against France and the Netherlands.

The squad will begin their League A campaign against two of the world's top teams, facing France at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, March 3 (kick-off 7.30pm), before travelling to Utrecht to take on the Netherlands on Saturday, March 7 (kick-off 7.45pm Irish time / 8.45pm local time).

Ireland come into the high-profile fixtures full of confidence following their dramatic play-off victory over Belgium at the end of last year. Abbie Larkin's crucial stoppage-time goal secured a famous aggregate victory and promotion to the top tier.

Carla Ward has named a strong and experienced squad for the challenge, welcoming back goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, midfielder Megan Connolly and attacker Leanne Kiernan, all of whom return after missing the decisive Belgium matches through injury.

The squad is once again led by captain Katie McCabe and features experienced midfielder Denise O'Sullivan, who recently secured a move to Liverpool FC, and who will be crucial for the tough tests ahead in this campaign.

Ireland WNT Squad - France & the Netherlands

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton FC), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland).

Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal FC), Anna Patten (Aston Villa FC), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (Nottingham Forest - loan), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest).

Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (Liverpool), Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland).

Attackers: Saoirse Noonan (Celtic FC), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Nottingham Forest - loan), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United), Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current - loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg).

FIXTURE DETAILS

Republic of Ireland v France
FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifier
Tuesday, March 3 | Tallaght Stadium | 7.30pm

Netherlands v Republic of Ireland
FIFA Women's World Cup European Qualifier
Saturday, March 7 | Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht | 7.45pm (Irish Time)

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