Players to look out for during the Women's World Cup

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to kick off this summer, featuring the brightest talent in the game. Fans descending upon nine host cities in New Zealand and Australia and enthusiasts all over the world will have a chance to watch a high level of football for the month-long. We’ll have our eye on a few special players heading into the group stage.

It seems like she took the women’s football scene by storm not that long ago, but Alex Morgan of the United States will turn 34 years old during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She’s represented her country over 200 times in international play, scoring over 120 goals in that time frame. It’s going to be interesting to see if she tries to put on a show in what might be her final World Cup.

While Morgan might soon be exiting stage left, Rose Lavelle is in the prime of her career. The United States will hope for a big performance from their midfielder. Lavelle doesn’t always get the same level of attention as some of her teammates, but she’s a huge part of the squad. She stepped up immensely in the 2019 World Cup.

Alexia Putellas is one of the most decorated players in FC Barcelona history, male or female. She’s been a dynamic goal scorer for a long time, and is no stranger to raising her game against elite competition. She first started playing internationally for Spain in 2013, and will look to celebrate 10 years of caps in style.

There’s a chance that the profile of Sam Kerr could catapult to astronomical levels at the end of July. She’s already recognized as one of the best players in the game, but has a chance to lead host Australia to the promised land. If she’s able to put the team on her back, her global acclaim could increase by leaps and bounds.

Any striker looking to make a difference in the late stages of a World Cup match is going to have to deal with Wendie Renard. Her athletic ability makes her one of the most difficult players to match up against in the tournament. Renard has also gotten more involved in scoring in recent years, so she’s one to watch on corner kicks as well.

It was obvious from the very beginning that Lieke Martens would have a chance to be a factor for the Netherlands. She got her first cap for the Dutch at age 19, proving that her talent was too immense to be kept off of the pitch. Martens has over 135 appearances for the Dutch, and has scored over 50 goals in that time frame.

The Norwegians hope to ride the play of Ada Hegerberg this summer, who has made a name for herself playing in France. She’s suited up for Olympique Lyonnais at the club level since 2014, and has been the primary player on the end of many scoring chances. Hegerberg is also a young player, so she should be able to remain a factor throughout the full 90 minute contest.

England always seems to factor into the later stages of the World Cup, and the nation is hoping that Beth Mead can help them make a deeper run in 2023. She’s a versatile player who can help matriculate the ball down the field as a forward or a midfielder. Mead will be put in positions to make critical decisions to facilitate England’s offense.

Popp is no stranger to delivering on the big stage, as she’s just as much of a weapon in open play and she is in a set piece. She has played very well in the Women’s Euro tournament in the past, and is hoping to translate that momentum into a strong World Cup performance. Opponents may have to shade an extra defender in her direction on corner kicks.