Wellington Phoenix have 9 A-League players picked for World Cup

Wellington Phoenix will have nine New Zealand representatives at the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Of the 21-player squad set to compete at the major tournament in Colombia, nine play for the Phoenix while there are 10 in total from the Liberty A-League with the inclusion of Canberra United’s Ruby Nathan.

Phoenix first-team players Zoe McMeeken, Manaia Elliott, Daisy Brazendale and Olivia Ingham are in the squad, as well as academy prospects Aimee Danieli, Marie Green, Ella McCann, Ella McMillan and Rebekah Trewhitt.

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Drawn in Group E alongside Austria, Ghana and Japan, the event represents McMeeken’s second U20 Women’s World Cup, while Elliott, Ingham, Danieli, Green, McCann, McMillan and Trewhitt were all part of Leon Birnie’s squad at the 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

New Zealand will kick off their tournament against Japan on September 3 in Bogota before matches versus Austria (September 6) and Ghana (September 9).

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“We are delighted to have nine players going away to represent New Zealand,” said Phoenix academy female development lead Callum Holmes said.

“It’s testament to all of the hard work the players put in each day to get better.

“Seeing players represent their country is a proud moment for all their friends and family, and the staff here at the academy. We couldn’t be prouder.

“I am really excited to watch the players showcase their ability on the world stage, and I wish Leon and the team all the best.”

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The CommBank Young Matildas will also feature at the World Cup, with 18 current Liberty A-League-based players selected by Australia.

New Zealand head coach Leon Birnie added: “I’m excited to be naming this team and look forward to assembling as a squad in Colombia for the tournament.

“We believe this is a strong squad with a lot of experience both at age-group level and, for some of the players, of the senior and professional game.

“I have worked with a lot of these players for a number of years, so it is a privilege to be taking them to another FIFA event.

“All of the teams at the tournament are going to be strong, but we are excited about challenging ourselves at this level and proudly representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the global stage.”