Women's World Cup Group E guide: 2019 finalists USA and Netherlands to meet again
United States
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).
Defenders: Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (North Carolina), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O'Hara (Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign).
Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit).
Forwards: Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC).
Coach: Viatko Andonovski.
Took over from World Cup winning coach Jill Ellis four years ago and has carried on the good work.
The Macedonian is a former defender who spent most of his career in America. He has a win percentage of almost 80% with The Stars and Stripes.
World ranking: 1.
Star player: Megan Rapinoe.
The OL Reign winger is one of the most recognisable faces in women’s football and a national icon.
She has played in the last three World Cup Finals, winning two of them. This will be her swansong.
One to watch: Sophia Smith.
The forward was named USA Player of the Year in 2022 and has been playing for the national team since she was just 16.
But this is her first World Cup – as well as leading them to Olympic gold.
Reasons to be cheerful: Having dominated women’s football for so long, there’s no sign of the USA slowing down.
They have more experience and more belief than any other side.
Cause for concern: A pre-tournament defeat against England was a
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