United States predicted lineup vs Netherlands - Women's World Cup
- Sophia Smith continues to be the player to watch
- Rose Lavelle will likely make her 2023 WWC debut
- Alex Morgan starts again
The US women's national team kicked off their 2023 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 triumph over Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand as goals from Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan secured the three points.
But the next group stage match against the Netherlands might not be as easy, with the Dutch looking to get revenge against the USWNT for the 2019 World Cup final. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski will want to boast his best side, which means making small tweaks to the starting 11.
GK: Alyssa Naeher - The Chicago Red Stars player will likely get the start again at the back, after a solid perfomance vs. Vietnam.
RB: Emily Fox - Sofia Huerta took over in the 84th minute, and we might see her again as a substitute but Fox should get the start again.
CB: Alana Cook - Shocked to see Julie Ertz get the start alongside Girma in the first match, but her rusty nature on the ball will likely see Andonovski make this change.
CB: Naomi Girma - She's staying put! Girma's cool, calm and collected nature in times of pressure will be much needed at the back against the Netherlands as they try to push Esmee Brugts on Naeher.
LB: Crystal Dunn - Dunn continiously proves herself as the figure to beat for left-back, there's no way she's coming out of that starting 11 spot.
CM: Rose Lavelle - Savannah DeMelo took the first start given Lavelle's return from injury, but once the number 16 entered the pitch the USWNT's midfield automatically clicked. She provides so much creativity in that final third, there is no chance she starts on the bench again now that she's fit.
DM: Andi Sullivan - She performed well alongside Lavelle, and will likely retain her position.
CM: Lindsey Horan (c) - No changes here.
RW: Sophia Smith - Two goals and an assist in her World Cup debut, the Netherlands better watch out.
ST: Alex Morgan - She may have missed the penalty, but her assists made up for it. She starts again.
LW: Trinity Rodman - The Washington Spirit player didn't have the best game, which we can credit to World Cup nerves, so she will likely keep her place but that Alyssa Thompson or Lynn Williams substitute might come earlier.
READ MORE ON THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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