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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