Can the USWNT's newest generation lift the 2023 World Cup? | The Most Important Thing

[@jltavares00]

One of the best discussions I've seen about the current state of the USWNT. It was very honest, but not harsh or overly critical. Struck the perfect balance. Well done!

[@paulbrown2422]

I agree with the comments about the recent struggles against teams like England and Spain and Germany. Important learning is happening, important experience is being gained, important lessons are being learned. Also, look at the inexperienced players who were in those games. Some were on their third or fifth cap; obviously the team was not putting everything on the line to win those games at all costs. It is not time to press the panic button as some commentators are doing, as some fans are doing.

[@FranzBieberkopf]

I agree that it isn't time to panic for US fans. Prior to the 2019 WC, the USWNT were underwhelming in some of their warm up games but got through, albeit not without some frights along the way, to winning the final. If Ellen White's toes were 4 or 5 millimetres shorter, the semi-final against England may have turned out very differently! However, I feel that the USWNT aren't the automatic favourites this time round. FWIW, my top 5 is (in alphabetical order) Brazil, England, Germany, Spain and USA. Any one of those could win it, I'm sure one will

[@vu8200]

Great take on this, love the honesty it’s what needs to be said, do think we need a couple of our injured vets on the WC team in order to keep the youth focus, so Davidson, O’Hara, Sonnett, Williams all need to be there

[@chrisradovan7642]

Why Williams ??

[@chrisradovan7642]

Vlatko needs to stop worrying about the injured players up to now the ones with ACL injuries have no games under there belt because of the injuries m. It would be very very foolish to think these athletes with the ACL injuries within game fitness and without any time of playing will be ready by the WC.

[@moveandstretch9982]

Thanks for a great discussion. Luv it.

[@MKelly-pm1np]

Aly and Ash are right. We aren’t ready now. With all the injuries, attrition and lack of continuity that is to be expected. But, if we’re able to get our players back health, gain some cohesion and peak just right…I pick us against anybody. These girls are too damn talented to squander a chance.

[@joebirdwelljr629]

I feel like the US will do well in the world cup. I think another country will lift the trophy this go around. I am hoping julie ertz comes back. I feel like the squad is as strong in the midfield. Having her as part of the team can solidify the middle third....

[@T.R.75]

honestly dont know if we have an actual team yet. yes, we have a ton of talented players, but do they work as a team? i havent seen much of it myself. i still think Pinoe is our most creative player, but shes been relegated to super sub which is fine i suppose. Pugh(Swanson) can be dangerous, but she and Sophie are kind of one trick ponies, and neither one is actually working well with the backs that work their respective sides compared to what we used to have with Dunn/Rapinoe and OHara/Heath. the 6 is still a problem, we miss Ertz so badly. all this time since the last Olympics and we still havent found a decent replacement for her. imo she was the motor of the team. her 2 way ability was so good, opened up so much. currently dont have that. when teams load the box, or bunker down, the creativity is severely lacking with this new group outside of mbe Huerta crossing and Pino being Pino if shes actually on the pitch. Horan still creates a bit but she looks so tired. mbe when Cat comes back more creativity will show up, the 6 though, big problem.

[@Ralph_Smith0724]

*I would say yes if Mallory Swanson were part of this team. However, without her, it would be tough for them. As the ESPN pundits put it, "Mall Pugh-Swanson is irreplaceable."*

[@wishbone1490]

What if some of the younger players feel as thou they are better than some of de facto veterans? Honestly, I think Vlatko should not give favoritism to players who are not performing well enough. He should change up the line up and out players with more technical skills and creativity

[@neilleonard3694]

Getting to the semis would be an excellent WWC23 for this USWNT. A bronze medal would be fabulous

[@patman9419]

We will win if Vlatko gets out of the way. He had our best midfielders on the bench in the Olympic loss. He is not the strategic coach Jill was.

[@machellovelivelife658]

no to Alana Cook...dont get that one

[@billsdallah4323]

If 20 players get injured i might get called 😂😂

[@larrymusich569]

Take Hatch off of the USWNT!!

[@flangeslammer]

yeah lindsey horan - since she was gifted the 10 and armband and went toil in the french league for 80% of her live matches - has had the worst 16 months she's ever had with the USWNT in her career.

[@user-in1sy2dt9m]

💖💪 from Ukraine 🇺🇦