.png)
Seven London City Lionesses were selected for international duty this month, with players representing four nations from three continents around the world.
With the FIFA Women's World Cup just around the corner, the April international window is the perfect time for qualified nations to build chemistry and form ahead of an important tournament.
For nations that missed out on qualification, the upcoming block of international play presents the opportunity to experiment before attention turns to continental competitions scheduled for the years ahead.
The Lionesses will return from international duty during the week commencing 10 April, with London City back in Barclays Women's Championship action on Sunday, 16 April away versus Southampton.
Republic of Ireland: Hayley Nolan, Lily Agg, Kyra Carusa
The Girls in Green named three London City Lionesses in their squad ahead of their trip to the United States of America, with Hayley Nolan, Lily Agg, and Kyra Carusa included once again.
The Republic of Ireland, first-time qualifiers for the World Cup, will face a star-studded USWNT squad across a two-game series, with matches set to be hosted in Austin, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri.
"It's really exciting," Nolan said before leaving to the United States. "I'm obviously delighted to be called up again and think it's a great honour to be in the Irish team to play against America. When I was growing up, I loved watching the USWNT, so I'm really excited to play against them."
When asked if she had discussed playing against the Americans with London City teammate Grace Neville, Nolan added: "Honestly, I did! She just said to keep the defensive line tight and to keep talking to one another!"
Unfortunately, Agg was forced to withdraw from the camp due to injury.
United States .vs. Republic of Ireland | Saturday, 8 April (19:30) | Q2 Stadium, Austin
United States .vs. Republic of Ireland | Wednesday, 12 April (00:30) | CityPark, St. Louis
Scotland: Jamie-Lee Napier, Sarah Ewens
For the first time since 2010, Sarah Ewens has been selected to represent Scotland on the international stage.
The Edinburgh-born forward's last appearance for Scotland came at the Under-19 Women's Euros in Italy, with her selection in the midst of her golden boot chase at club level.
“I haven’t been involved since the Under-19s but it’s always been something I’ve aimed for and is up there in terms of my highest ambitions," explained Ewens. "It’s an honour to be called up for my country, it’s something I’ve really been stiving for and I’m just grateful to have the chance.”
Jamie-Lee Napier was also selected by Scotland, with a fixture against former Chelsea teammate Sam Kerr on the horizon.
Australia .vs. Scotland | Friday, 7 April (13:15) | Cherry Red Records Stadium, Wimbledon
Scotland .vs. Costa Rica | Tuesday, 11 April (19:35) | Hampden Park, Glasgow
Jamaica: Atlanta Primus
With three goals in her last three games for London City, Atlanta Primus enters the international break in top form and with a spring in her step.
The 25-year-old was the difference-maker for the Lionesses versus Charlton Athletic, netting the game-winning goal with a fierce strike in the final five minutes of play.
Primus and the Reggae Girlz will face Sheffield United during the international break, with the Jamaican squad based in the Midlands for the week ahead.
Jamaica .vs. Sheffield United | Monday, 10 April (14:00) | King Power Stadium, Leicester
New Zealand: Grace Neville
Grace Neville has solidified her spot in New Zealand squad since breaking into the roster in January.
The 22-year-old has already tested herself against the United States, Portugal, and Argentina, which sets her up nicely for a double-header against Iceland and Nigeria this moth.
New Zealand is set to co-host the World Cup with Australia this summer, with competition for places heating up for the Football Ferns.
New Zealand .vs. Iceland | Friday, 7 April (14:00) | Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya
New Zealand .vs. Nigeria | Tuesday, 11 April (14:00) | Mardan Sports Complex, Antalya
Related:
Sarah Ewens: 'I'm really grateful and excited to be in the Scotland squad'
Grace Neville & Amy Rodgers join London City Lionesses' 50-appearance club
Hayley Nolan: 'Perfect' team performance the difference in London Derby victory
Shae Yanez: 'Relentless effort' helped London City Lionesses outduel Charlton Athletic
Comments