Dunn returns for USWNT, teenage star Thompson replaces injured Morgan

The USWNT will face England at Wembley on October 7, followed by Spain four days later

U.S. women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has named a 24-player roster for his team’s friendlies at England and Spain.

Among the headliners is Crystal Dunn, who makes her USWNT return after recently coming back for the Portland Thorns following the birth of her son Marcel in May.

Star forward Alex Morgan did not make the roster due to a knee injury, and in her place Andonovski handed a maiden senior call-up to 17-year-old Alyssa Thompson.

Thompson plays for the U-17 Total Futbol Academy boys’ team in MLS NEXT, and is the youngest player named to a USWNT roster since 16-year-old Sophia Smith was called up in 2017.

The USWNT will face European champion England at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on October 7, before taking on Spain in Pamplona four days later.

“These are big tests for our team in front of crowds cheering against us and after long travel, but our players absolutely love games like these,” said Andonovski.

“The group we are bringing to Europe includes players who have a lot of experience against top European teams and some that don’t, so these games are even more critical for our growth as our team. Our whole squad needs to get a clear picture of what these games are like as we continue to prepare for the World Cup.”

USWNT roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (7): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Alyssa Thompson (Total Futbol Academy)

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