FOWLER’S IN
CYCLING been the subject of a tug of war between Australia and the Republic of Ireland, after former MARY Fowler is on track for coach Alen Stajcic’s comments Women’s World Cup selection, about the Fowler’s “alternative with confirmation the rising lifestyle” sparked tension with Matildas starlet will get the family after they withdrew minutes in today’s blockbuster her from November’s home friendly with the world No.1 friendly series against Chile in United States. favour of putting her through a
Some five months after her sprint training program with last camp, the schoolgirl striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s speed will be back in the green and coach and then a series of trials gold against the reigning with European clubs including World Cup champions, a step Chelsea, West Ham and Manchester that would put her in the box City. seat to earn selection and “Mary Fowler make her competitive debut in run,” Milicic said. right foot and she is a genuine France this June. “She will get game time. In finisher.
In a contest that will give terms of team selection, we’re “She’s settled into the group Ante Milicic a gauge of how far looking to give players opportunities. really well, happy how she has the Matildas have come since been around the team and he took the job in February, “She is an extremely explosive conducted herself. the new coach has looked to athlete. She’s very mature “(W)hat she has shown at the future with Fowler. for her age, very good back to training has been very positive.” Only just 16, she’s already goal, very good left foot and
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The same can’t be said for vice-captain Steph Catley, Laura Alleway and Chloe Logarzo.
Milicic was loath to risk the trio, who brought minor injuries into camp and haven’t recuperated sufficiently.
“We don’t want to rush players back,” he said. “We have a duty of care towards them, especially being so close to a World Cup.
“But it’s an opportunity to (other) players … to show themselves against the best team in the world.”
Alleway’s injury opens the door for Sydney FC centreback Elizabeth Ralston to make her Matildas debut, while Sky Blues teammate Logarzo will continue her rehab after sustaining an injury in the triumphant W-League grand final.
A win against the Americans, whom Australia historically beat in the 2017 Tournament of Nations and held to a draw in last year’s iteration, would give the Matildas a valuable mental lift ahead of their opening World Cup group clash against Italy.