WSL Oneshots

World Cup Squad Announcements

The anticipation had been building for weeks. With the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand just around the corner, the entire country awaited the announcement of the Lionesses squad. For the players, it was a day filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Would they make the cut?

The announcement was scheduled for 10 a.m., to be streamed live from St. George's Park. Journalists gathered at the venue, cameras at the ready, while fans across England tuned in, eager to see who would represent their country on the world stage.

Alessia Russo sat in her living room in Maidstone, her hands wrapped tightly around her phone. The stress of the wait was palpable. Next to her, Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp exchanged nervous glances as they watched the live feed on TV. They had all been through the squad announcement process before, but it never got easier.

"Do you think we're in?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence.

Lauren rolled her eyes playfully. "If you're not in, I don't know what Sarina's thinking."

Alessia chuckled, though her laughter was tinged with nerves. "I think we've all got a good shot. But still... it's terrifying, isn't it?"

The broadcast began with Sarina Wiegman stepping up to the podium, her usual calm and composed demeanor on display. She smiled warmly at the cameras before addressing the nation.

"It is my great honor to announce the 23 players who will represent England at the FIFA Women's World Cup," she began. "This squad represents a mix of experience and new talent, and I am confident they will make the country proud."

The room in Maidstone fell silent as Sarina began reading the names:

"Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, and Hannah Hampton."

Lauren gave a small cheer. "No surprises there!"

"Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Leah Williamson."

"Leah's in!" Chloe exclaimed.

"Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Jordan Nobbs, Fran Kirby, and Katie Zelem."

Alessia's heart thumped as Sarina reached the forwards.

"Forwards: Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Bethany England, and Ebony Salmon."

The room erupted into cheers as Chloe, Lauren, and Alessia hugged each other tightly.

Moments later, Alessia's phone buzzed with messages from her family and friends. Her parents sent her a picture of a banner they'd made: "Go Alessia! We're so proud of you!"

Chloe and Lauren were grinning ear to ear, taking selfies and posting them online with captions like, "We're off to Australia!"

But as the excitement bubbled, Alessia's thoughts turned serious. She remembered her struggles over the past year—her injuries, the drama at Manchester United, and the uncertainty that came with every challenge. This moment felt like validation, a reminder of why she never gave up.

"We're going to do this," Alessia said quietly, her voice filled with determination. "For ourselves, for the fans, and for everyone who believes in us."

Chloe placed a hand on Alessia's shoulder. "And for Leah, too. She's leading us, and we've got her back."

Lauren nodded. "This is going to be special. I can feel it."

As the squad list circulated on social media, fans shared their reactions. The excitement was palpable, with hashtags like #Lionesses and #FIFAWWC trending within minutes.

In households across the country, little girls and boys were inspired, seeing their heroes prepare to chase glory on the world stage. The road to Australia and New Zealand had officially begun.

The announcement of the Matildas squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup was met with unparalleled excitement across Australia. Hosting the tournament for the first time, the nation was ready to rally behind its team. The squad reveal was scheduled for a live broadcast, with fans and media eagerly awaiting the names of the 23 players chosen to represent the green and gold.

At home in Sydney, Caitlin Foord sat on her couch, the remote in hand as she anxiously watched the countdown to the live stream. Next to her was Steph Catley, her Arsenal and national teammate, who exuded her usual calmness. Despite the relaxed exterior, Steph's fingers tapped against her mug of coffee.

"Think we made it?" Caitlin asked, half-joking but unable to mask her nerves.

Steph smirked. "I'd be more surprised if we didn't."

Football Australia's president stepped up to the podium to introduce Tony Gustavsson, the Matildas' head coach. The camera panned across a backdrop of the World Cup logo and images of roaring fans from past games.

"This is an incredibly special moment for Australian football," Gustavsson began. "This squad reflects the passion, resilience, and talent of Australian players. It wasn't an easy decision, but I believe we have assembled a team capable of making history."

As Gustavsson began listing the squad, Caitlin and Steph leaned forward in anticipation.

"Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Lydia Williams, and Teagan Micah."

Caitlin nodded. "Solid choices."

"Defenders: Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Clare Polkinghorne, Alanna Kennedy, Courtney Nevin, Charlotte Grant, and Aivi Luik."

Steph smiled, giving Caitlin a mock bow. "Guess I'm in."

"Midfielders: Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Clare Wheeler, Emily van Egmond, and Alex Chidiac."

Caitlin's name still hadn't been called, but her faith remained intact.

"Forwards: Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Emily Gielnik, and Cortnee Vine."

Caitlin exhaled a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding as Steph clapped her on the back. "Told you."

The room filled with Caitlin's family and friends erupted into cheers as they crowded around her to celebrate. Phones buzzed with messages of congratulations, and her social media lit up with posts from fans thrilled to see her name on the list.

As Caitlin scrolled through the flood of support, her thoughts lingered on the journey that had brought her here. The injuries, the heartbreaks, and the doubts that had threatened to derail her career all seemed to fade in this moment.

Steph, ever the steady presence, handed Caitlin a celebratory glass of sparkling water. "You've earned this. Now let's make it count."

Across the country, Australians tuned in to hear the squad announcement. Families decorated their living rooms in green and gold, and social media was flooded with tributes to the players. The hopes of the nation were now pinned on the Matildas to deliver a World Cup to remember.

Caitlin posted a picture of herself and Steph in their Matildas kits with the caption: "Ready to give it everything. Let's go, Australia! 🇦🇺💚💛"

Later that evening, Caitlin sat quietly on her balcony, gazing at the Sydney skyline. The excitement of the day had given way to reflection. Steph joined her, a warm smile on her face.

"You ready for this?" Steph asked.

Caitlin nodded, her determination shining through. "I've never been more ready. Let's make history."

With that, the two teammates sat side by side, their shared dreams of lifting the World Cup fueling the fire within.