WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Women’s World Cup: Three young stars to watch
There will be plenty of talent on display at the Women’s World Cup later this month. Here are three players to watch out for.
The United States National Team have arrived in New Zealand ahead of their match against Vietnam in Auckland on Friday 22 July.
The USWNT have won back-to-back World Cups and have some excellent players on their roster. One of the young US stars to keep an eye on is Trinity Rodman.
Trinity Rodman
Rodman’s father is former basketball player Dennis Rodman. In June, she was called up to the US squad for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
During the World Cup send-off friendly against Wales on 9 July, the 21-year-old netted a brace after replacing Alex Morgan and was named Woman of the Match. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski later described her second goal as “world class”.
“My expectations are that we’re the most ruthless team, we’re never going to give up and we’re going to get the title,” Rodman told ESPN.
Of the 23 players in the US squad, she is one of 14 players going to their first World Cup.
Linda Caicedo
Caicedo, only 18, played in the U17 World Cup and U20 World Cup in 2022. She scored four in the U17 tournament with Colombia, although her country eventually lost in the final. She also found the net twice in the U20 tournament, showing her class despite her young age.
In January, she made to move to Europe, joining Real Madrid from Colombian outfit Deportivo Cali.
Caicedo is a hugely exciting talent to watch out for at the upcoming tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Lauren James
Sister of Chelsea right-back Reece James, Lauren is a technical player who has the ability to beat defenders and create chances for her England team-mates.
The 21-year-old also plies her trade with Chelsea, who she joined after spells with Arsenal and Manchester United.
She has represented England at U17, U19 and senior level.