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Klimkova names strong Football Ferns squad


Jitka Klimkova
Jitka Klimkova's Football Ferns squad features 16 players from last year's FIFA Women's World Cup. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková has named a strong squad to face Thailand next month in Christchurch, the team’s first matches in New Zealand since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 


The 24-player squad features 16 members who were selected for the tournament last July, plus a strong contingent of players 23-and-under as Klimková builds toward the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.


The Football Ferns will face world No 47 Thailand on Saturday, April 6 (kick-off 3pm) and Tuesday, April 9 (kick-off 7pm) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. 


“It is exciting to name this side for our first games at home since the FIFA Women’s World Cup and come back to Christchurch, a city that is home for a significant number of our players," said Klimková.



“As we build towards the Paris 2024 Olympics, we want to establish a side that combines our experienced players with emerging younger talent to put us in the best place ahead of the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.


“I believe with this squad we have found that right balance so look forward to assembling in Christchurch for the games against Thailand.”


FOOTBALL FERNS SQUAD


Mackenzie Barry (14 caps) Wellington Phoenix CJ Bott (42 caps) Leicester City, England

Katie Bowen (105 caps) Inter Milan, Italy

Claudia Bunge (28 caps) HB Koge, Denmark

Daisy Cleverley (36 caps) HB Koge, Denmark

Brianna Edwards (1 cap) Wellington Phoenix

Victoria Esson (22 caps) Rangers FC, Scotland

Michaela Foster (15 caps) Wellington Phoenix

Macey Fraser (3 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC

Ally Green (11 caps) AGF, Denmark

Jacqui Hand (23 caps) Lewes FC, England

Grace Jale (27 caps) Perth Glory, Australia

Katie Kitching (6 caps) Sunderland AFC, England

Anna Leat (15 caps) Aston Villa FC, England

Meikayla Moore (63 caps) Glasgow City FC, Scotland

Ruby Nathan (5 caps) Canberra United, Australia

Gabi Rennie (33 caps) Aland United, Finland

Ali Riley (159 caps) Angel City FC, USA

Indiah-Paige Riley (21 caps) PSV Vrouwen, Netherlands

Paige Satchell (48 caps) London City Lionesses, England

Malia Steinmetz (27 caps) FC Nordsjælland, Denmark

Rebekah Stott (100 caps) Melbourne City FC, Australia

Kate Taylor (15 caps) Wellington Phoenix FC

Hannah Wilkinson (122 caps) Melbourne City FC, Australia


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