Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková has made two changes to the squad she’s selected to play two games against Australia’s Matildas in April.
Veteran defender Abby Erceg and CJ Bott are missing from those who played in last month’s SheBelieves Cup.
Erceg is unavailable due to club commitments while Bott was not considered because of a hip injury.
Goalkeeper Anna Leat who did not go to the United States for the SheBelieves tournament was also unavailable due to club commitments.
Into the squad comes Wellington Phoenix striker Grace Jale (22) who earns a recall after finishing the A-League season as her club’s top goalscorer. She last played for the Ferns in 2018.
Main photo: Recalled … Grace Jale. Image: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
New Zealand-domiciled defender Anna Green has also been drafted into Klimková’s squad as cover for Erceg.
Klimková: ‘We want to be mentally tougher’
Klimková told Stuff writer Phillip Rollo: “While we’re still exploring our player base, this tour will be focused on building on our team’s culture. We want to be mentally tougher when we encounter adversity.”
The Ferns play two games in Australia. Their last meeting was at the Tokyo Olympics last year, when Australia won 2-1.
The matches
Australia v New Zealand
QCB Stadium, Townsville
Friday April 8, 2022
Kick-off: 9.45pm (NZT)
Watch: Sky Sports 7
Australia v New Zealand
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Tuesday April 12, 2022
Kick-off: 9.45pm (NZT)
Watch: Sky Sports 7
The Ferns
Goalkeepers
Lily Alfeld, Erin Nayler, Vic Esson
Defenders
Liz Anton, Katie Bowen, Claudia Bunge, Anna Green, Meikayla Moore, Ali Riley, Rebekah Stott, Ashleigh Ward
Midfielders
Olivia Chance, Daisy Cleverley, Betsy Hassett, Ria Percival, Malia Steinmetz
Forwards
Grace Jale, Ava Collins, Jacqui Hand, Gabi Rennie, Emma Rolston, Paige Satchell, Hannah Wilkinson
Training player
Ally Green
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