Ireland captain Katie McCabe has admitted that she is ready to lead Ireland at the Women's World Cup next month. The Ireland captain was selected by Vera Pauw this week for Ireland's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts in July.
"Ireland will play co-hosts Australia on July 20. They will then play Nigeria and Canada in their other group games."
McCabe, who has become one of Ireland's key players on their way to their first World Cup, will be shouldered with the responsibility of captaining Ireland at their first major finals. The Arsenal star became the youngest captain in the history of the team when Colin Bell appointed the then 21-year-old into the role in 2019.
Despite being the Irish captain for a long period, the Dubliner has admitted that she didn't always see herself as captain, but due to time in the role she's matured and now knows what's needed as Ireland captain.
"No, I've never captained Ireland at any underage level," when asked if she ever saw herself as Ireland's captain. "I have always been just Katie that just has the craic and not have any pressure on my shoulders. So to be asked to be the next captain of Ireland, I've had to mature very quickly,"
"But I was very honored that Collin Bell saw something in me that I didn't see in myself and through the support network of the team and even speaking to Emma Byrne to this day, I've got a really good support network. If I need any advice or guidance, I have people around me to provide that."
McCabe was also asked about her personal accolades at club level for Arsenal. The Dublin native won the Women's Super League Goal of the Season and was also included in the Team of the Season. Despite shining for Arsenal this season, McCabe hasn't really reflected on her own personal achievements with Arsenal and is fully focused on Ireland's inaugural World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
"I don't really know, to be honest. I just try to look at how I can get even better going forward," added the Ireland captain. "To be fair, I am so proud of the personal accolades I've received at club level, but none of that is possible without the team behind you. It's fantastic, and I am honored to be leading them to their first World Cup."
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)Training Players: Sophie Whitehouse, Harriet Scott, Jamie Finn
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 - Group BJuly 20 | Australia v Ireland, Stadium Australia, Sydney, KO 11:00 (Irish Time)July 26 | Canada v Ireland, Rectangular Stadium, Perth, KO 13:00 (Irish Time)July 31 | Ireland v Nigeria, Lang Park, Brisbane, KO 11:00 (Irish Time)
