The United States Women’s National Team announced its 24-player roster ahead of two upcoming friendlies in early October. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski will lead his team against England on October 7th at Wembley Stadium in London. They will next travel to Osasuna’s home stadium to play Spain in Pamplona on October 11th. The England match will be televised on FOX, while the final friendly is set to air on ESPN2.

Andonovski underlined the importance of these upcoming games for the USWNT. “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,” claimed 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 USWNT, like their next two opponents, already qualified for the 2023 World Cup. The Americans sealed their placed in the tournament by winning the 2022 CONCACAF Championship this summer.

Superstar Alex Morgan misses out on the chance to reach 200 caps because of a knee injury.

USWNT roster for October friendlies

Goalkeepers:

Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).

Defenders:

Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC).

Midfielders:

Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).

Forwards:

Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Total Futbol Academy).

PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire