Our Matildas ready to tackle the world
The lineup for the Matildas is the result of introducing emerging talents to the setup at a very young age and allowing them to grow into the shirt.
The average age of the squad, ranging from 16-year-old Mary Fowler to 34-year-old Lisa De Vanna, is under 26, but the average number of caps is an impressive 55.
There are 11 players with more than 70 caps, putting them well into veteran territory, and three with over 100 games in national colours.
Matildas coach Ante Milicic said he had one eye on the future with Fowler’s selection.
“I was quite pleased with the way she was with the group in the (United) States most recently,” Milicic said.
“She’s a different type of player to captain Sam (Kerr), and I just think in our environment with the players we have around us, she’s going to learn a lot.
“She’s definitely going to add and contribute to the group.”
Milicic said the chance to contend for the trophy was front of his mind while making his selections.
“We will have genuine competition for starting positions across all areas of the pitch,” he said.
“Having players that have appeared at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups in our squad, will help to guide the eight players travelling to their first Women’s World Cup.”
The Matildas’ World Cup squad comprises Lydia Williams, Gema Simon, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Laura Alleway, Chloe Logarzo, Steph Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Lisa de Vanna, Teagan Micah, Tameka Yallop, Alanna Kennedy, Emily Gielnik, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Amy Harrison and Teigen Allen.