China Women's World Cup 2023 squad: Who's in & who's out?
Who has coach Shui Qingxia selected in China Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
The China national women's team will be playing in their eighth FIFA World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Shui Qingxia's troops are the reigning Asian champions and qualified directly for the tournament.
In 1999, they finished as runners-up, which is their best performance to date and in this edition, they would like to create history by lifting the World Cup.
In the 2023 Women's World Cup, they have been drawn in Group D with Denmark, England and Haiti.
Who has made Qingxia's final 23-player World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
- (C)Getty Images
Table of Contents
ToggleGOALKEEPERS
Xu Huan is the undisputed number one for China between the sticks. The 24-year-old keeper of Jiangsu LFC is the most-trusted lieutenant of Qingxia under the bar and should have the gloves in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yu should be the second-choice keeper. She was given an opportunity to impress against Sweden and claim the No. 1 spot but conceded four goals in that match which saw Xu brought back against Ireland.
Meanwhile, the fight for the third spot should go to experienced keeper Zhao Lina of Shanghai Shengli.
Name Club Xu Huan Wuhan Jianghan University Zhu Yu Jiangsu Zhao Lina Shanghai Shengli - Getty
DEFENDERS
Qinxia sets her team up with a four-woman backline. They generally play deep to keep things tight at the back.
Their efforts paid dividends in the 2022 Asian Cup as they conceded just five goals in the entire tournament. It would not be surprising if they defend with two banks of four to frustrate the likes of England and Denmark.
Paris Saint-Germain's Li Mengwen, on-loan from Jiangsu, should be the first choice at right-back. And if Mengwen is unfit, Gao Chen can slot in her place.
The likes of Duo Jiaxing, Yao Wei and Wang Linlin are among the first-choice centre-backs.
Chen Qiaozhu should be fielded in the left-back position.
Name Club Wu Haiyan Wuhan Jianghan University Yao Wei Wuhan Jianghan University Wang Linlin Shanghai Shengli Gao Chen Changchun Dazhong Zhouyue Chen Qiaozhu Meizhou Hakka Li Mengwen Paris Saint-Germain (on-loan) Dou Jiaxing Jiangsu Lou Jiahui Henan Jianye - (C)Getty Images
MIDFIELDERS
It is primarily a four-woman midfield with Yao Lingwei entrusted with the responsibility to break down attacks and act as a defensive screener. She is supported by Zhang Rui, who has the license to go forward and join the attack.
Yang Lina is another option who can sit back and absorb the pressure. She will be useful against offensive teams when China will most likely sit deep and maintain their shape, with Zhang Linyan usually deployed on the left.
The likes of Wu Chengshu and Shen Mengyu add further depth in midfield.
Name Club Zhang Rui Shandong Sports Lottery Yao Lingwei Wuhan Jianghan University Gu Yasha Wuhan Jianghan University Zhang Xin Shanghai Shengli Yang Lina Levante Las Planas (on-loan) Wu Chengshu Canberra United Zhang Linyan Grasshoppers Shen Mengyu Celtic - Getty Images
FORWARDS
China's veteran forward Wang Shanshan is the key player of the squad. The forward has close to 150 caps and scored over 50 goals.
She is one of those rare players who can play at both ends of the pitch with aplomb. In the 2022 AFC Asian Cup she was fielded as a centre-back in the semi-final and final, and yet she came out with flying colours.
Shanshan was named as the Chinese Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022, and her presence will be key in what will be her third World Cup.
Wang Shuang has over 120 international caps and has scored 43 goals for China. Her scathing pace along with her dribbling abilities make her a potent threat in the wide areas.
Tang Jiali can be the X-factor in the Chinese team as she boasts of having spent the previous 18 months in Europe with both Tottenham and Madrid CFF, becoming the first female Chinese player to play in England.
She has the vision to split open defences and is strong on both feet, making her an exceptional talent in attacking.
Name Club Wang Shuang Racing Lousville Wang Shanshan Tianjin Shengde Tang Jiali Shanghai Shengli Xiao Yuyi Shanghai Shengli
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