Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has unveiled his squad for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup, with two uncapped players earning surprise call-ups to the 23-strong group. Adelaide United midfielder Chloe Williams and Brisbane Roar defender Sarah Jones have been recognised for their consistent A-League Women's form, adding an element of youthful exuberance to the experienced core of the national team. The tournament, set to be held in India early next year, represents a crucial stepping stone for the Matildas as they build towards the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The inclusions of Williams and Jones signal a potential shift in the Matildas' selection philosophy, with Gustavsson appearing to place a greater emphasis on domestic performance. Williams, 22, has been a standout for Adelaide United this season, her tenacious midfield play and eye for a pass impressing many observers. Jones, 20, has similarly caught the eye at the back for the Roar, showcasing composure and defensive awareness beyond her years. Both players were integral to their clubs' recent strong performances in the A-League Women.
Emerging talent rewarded
Gustavsson confirmed the selections at a press conference held at Football Australia headquarters in Sydney on Tuesday morning. He highlighted the competitive nature of the A-League Women as a key factor in identifying new talent. "We've been watching the domestic league very closely, and Chloe and Sarah have been consistently excellent," Gustavsson stated. 'They've shown the hunger and the quality we're looking for. This is a reward for their hard work, and we're excited to see what they can bring to the international stage."
Chloe Williams has earned her first Matildas call-up. Credit: Sydney Daily News
The rest of the squad largely reflects the team that has been building under Gustavsson over the past year, with established stars like Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, and Hayley Raso all included. However, the absence of veteran defender Steph Catley, who is sidelined with a long-term injury, leaves a notable gap in the backline. Central Coast Mariners manager and former Matildas player, Annabelle Smith, commented on the squad's depth. 'It's always a balancing act with injuries and form, but Tony has clearly backed players who are performing week in, week out," Smith said. 'The Asian Cup is a massive opportunity for these newer players to prove themselves against strong continental opposition, and I think the experience will be invaluable.'
Asian Cup preparation ramps up
The Matildas will face Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia in Group B of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. Their opening match is scheduled for January 20th against Thailand in Mumbai. The tournament serves as a crucial competitive environment for Gustavsson to fine-tune his tactics and assess player combinations ahead of the World Cup. The coaching staff will be looking to build momentum and confidence throughout the competition, with the ultimate goal being to lift the trophy on home soil in 2023.
The inclusion of Williams and Jones, while exciting, will also place immediate pressure on the newcomers. They will need to adapt quickly to the higher intensity of international football and integrate seamlessly with a squad that has a well-established dynamic. The coming weeks of training and early tournament matches will be a significant test for the emerging talent, and their performances could well dictate the extent of their involvement in the lead-up to the World Cup. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if these surprise selections can translate their domestic success onto the international stage.