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Based off what we've seen from the Concacaf W Championship and SheBelieves Cup, a USWNT World Cup roster prediction seems like a pretty straightforward exercise — Vlatko Andonovski hasn't been tinkering away with his squads.
However, the dramatic recall of Julie Ertz showed us that certain veterans can't be ruled out with three months of club ball still to be played. There are proven stars returning from longterm injuries who'll be watched closely by the staff, and let's just hope that Mallory Swanson is the only late addition to the casualty list.
But if the World Cup started now, these would be the 23 players headed to New Zealand and Australia for the World Cup.
USWNT World Cup roster prediction (23-player squad)
Goalkeepers (3)
Starter: Alyssa Naeher
Backup: Casey Murphy
Emergency: Adrianna Franch
Who misses out: Aubrey Kingsbury
Reasoning: The goalkeepers' union is strong. Naeher is the clear No. 1 after playing every minute of the last World Cup and shining at the Olympics, and Murphy has emerged as a dependable backup and potential future starter. Franch was also part of the last World Cup and Olympic squads.
Defenders (8)
Left back: Crystal Dunn
Backup: Emily Sonnett
Center back: Becky Sauerbrunn (captain)
Backup: Tierna Davidson
Center back: Naomi Girma
Backup: Alana Cook
Right back: Emily Fox
Backup: Sofia Huerta
Who misses out: Kelley O'Hara, Casey Krueger, Hailie Mace, Abby Dahlkemper (injury)
Reasoning: The 34-year-old O'Hara earned her 157th cap against Ireland, but I think Sonnett gets the call with her versatility. Andonovski will be closely monitoring Davidson's form with Chicago, but the heart of defense seems pretty locked. The same goes for the right-hand side.
Midfielders (6)
Defensive mid: Julie Ertz
Backup: Andi Sullivan
Center mid: Lindsey Horan
Backup: Kristie Mewis
Center mid: Rose Lavelle
Backup: Ashley Sanchez
Who misses out: Sam Coffey, Jaelin Howell, Taylor Kornieck, Sam Mewis (injury)
Reasoning: Ertz is back and just needs to find a club to be at her very best come July 22. Her presence spells the end for those who deputized in her place — Coffey, Kornieck and Howell.
Forwards (6)
Left wing: Alyssa Thompson
Backup: Megan Rapinoe
Striker: Alex Morgan
Backup: Lynn Williams
Right wing: Sophia Smith
Backup: Trinity Rodman
Who misses out: Midge Purce, Ashley Hatch, Tobin Heath, Christen Press, Catarina Macario
Reasoning: Rapinoe could be the starter on the left, but a lot will come down to how Thompson plays for Angel City over the next couple months — I predict big things. Rapinoe, who'll be 38 at the World Cup, is a lethal option off the bench. At striker, I think Williams' versatility gives her the edge over Hatch.
Heath is without a club and rehabbing a knee injury while Press is dealing with the same situation, but Macario is probably the one player who could make a spectacular return. Her anticipated comeback for the UWCL semifinals is no longer possible after Lyon's surprise elimination, but the club still has four league matches remaining and the Coupe de France final.
