Wildcard and wingers: Matildas’ Olympic selection questions to answer against China | Jack Snape

A Matildas wildcard and the role of four alternate players loom as the most compelling pieces of the selection puzzle facing coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of two crucial clashes against China.

The fixtures – in Adelaide on Friday, and Sydney on Monday – will serve as the final audition for those on the fringes of the team still dreaming of representing the Matildas at the Olympics.

With little competitive football between now and July, when the Olympic tournament commences, the squad of 18 – as well as a group of four alternates – is expected to be named soon after the current camp concludes.

Under rules clarified in a Fifa workshop only in recent weeks, the Matildas can call in one of the four extra players if someone in the main squad succumbs to injury during the tournament.

The regulations allow the four alternates to train with the other players and be called upon right up until the final.

Gustavsson – who will speak to media in Adelaide on Thursday – has been open about his preferred mix, saying in February that a “normal” squad would include two goalkeepers, three central defenders, three wide defenders, three central midfielders, three wingers, three central attackers, and the final spot akin to a wildcard the Swede feels will best complement the others.

Goalkeeper

First choice Mackenzie Arnold is a lock for one of the two goalkeeper places. The second is likely to go to Teagan Micah, although she will miss the first match against China due to what has been called a “minor injury”. Veteran Lydia Williams announced her retirement from international football three weeks ago, saying she would hang up her gloves after the Paris Olympics.

Sydney FC’s Jada Whyman starred for Sydney FC in their A-League Women championship, but is unlikely to usurp her senior colleagues.

Central defence

Australia’s three most established centre-backs are well placed for selection. Alanna Kennedy has been important to Manchester City’s second place finish in the Women’s Super League season. Paris St Germain’s Clare Hunt has recovered from a so-called “stress reaction” in her foot picked up in March and is set to take the field against China. Clare Polkinghorne has played an important role for Kristianstad in the Swedish league, where her side sits third this season.

Gustavsson may want greater flexibility in wide positions though, which could mean he uses captain Steph Catley more as a central defender – where she played against Mexico – leaving one of the above defenders out.

Wide defence

In addition to Catley, full-back Ellie Carpenter is a lock. She travels to Australia as Matildas’ co-vice captain days after falling just short in the Champions League, after her French club Lyon lost to Barcelona 2-0 in the final.

San Diego’s Kaitlyn Torpey has quickly established herself in the national side since debuting against Uzbekistan in February, and started at full-back ahead of Tottenham player Charli Grant against Mexico.

The Paris squad might be big enough for both of them, given those also named for the China series includes uncapped defender Winonah Heatley – who plays at Danish club Nordsjælland – and Leicester left back Courtney Nevin, back in green and gold after overcoming an injury and being left out of the squad for the Uzbekistan matches.

Central midfield

Midfield conductor Kyra Cooney-Cross is a certainty for Paris, although she played largely off the bench for Arsenal in her first WSL season. Cooney-Cross’s World Cup co-conspirator Katrina Gorry is a major doubt after an ankle injury in March when playing for her club West Ham, and will miss the matches against China.

Emily Van Egmond can play as a midfielder or forward, and as co-vice captain for the China series is another lock. Clare Wheeler is likely to be included, after turning out regularly for mid-table Everton in the WSL. Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop also has a strong case, although her season with Brisbane ended in March.

Wide midfield

Real Madrid’s Hayley Raso largely played off the bench this season, but she is another player critical to Australia’s chances in Paris. Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler might also be called upon to play in wide areas, when they are not used in more central roles. Torpey is another option further up the pitch, where she played against Uzbekistan.

Brisbane Roar winger Sharn Freier and Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine created more chances in the local competition last season than any other players. Though Vine’s inclusion is more likely than not, Freier’s would be a surprise selection given she debuted in April.

Forward

Fowler is a certainty in a central or wide attacking role, after a season where she established herself in the Manchester City side. Foord will also be used as a forward when she is not hugging the touchline.

Michelle Heyman appears to have done enough to earn a place, as she is the only out-and-out striker in the squad for the China games. The versatile Van Egmond is likely to provide back-up to these three.

Wildcard

Gustavsson has been known to spring a surprise, like when he named an injured Kyah Simon in the 2023 World Cup squad. However, the lack of un-tried forward options in the group named for the China matches suggests the coach is hoping to learn more about fringe defenders and midfielders in the coming days.

The likes of Grant, Wheeler, Heatley and Freier will be looking to produce against China to convince the coach they are worth a place in the 18, rather than just the 22.