Canada coach Bev Priestman names roster for camp ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup

Canada coach Bev Priestman has named her roster for a camp in Australia prior to next month's FIFA Women's World Cup, including several players who have been racing to get fit in time for the tournament.

Twenty-five players will attend the Canadian camp starting June 28 on the Gold Coast, with a final tune-up game against fourth-ranked England to be played July 14 behind closed doors.

Priestman will announce her final 23-woman roster on July 9, one day before the FIFA deadline. Sixth-ranked Canada opens Group B play July 21 against No. 42 Nigeria in Melbourne before facing No. 22 Ireland on July 26 in Perth and No. 10 Australia on July 31 back in Melbourne.

"With the preparation camp being only weeks away, I'm so excited to name this squad and see what this squad can bring as we move that much closer towards the Women's World Cup," Priestman said in a statement. "Picking this roster brought some incredibly difficult decisions and conversations, which I think speaks volumes to how competitive and exciting the group is."

"I must acknowledge the hard work of the players, the clubs and our dedicated support staff to have some long-term injured players available for this camp as I know all parties have done everything possible to get to this point," she added.

Deanne Rose, Nichelle Prince, Desiree Scott and Quinn, who goes by one name, all make the pre-tournament roster.

Rose and Prince have been recovering from Achilles injuries while Scott picked up an injury at the end of the 2022 season that required surgery. Quinn was dealing with a leg issue.

Veteran centre back Shelina Zadorsky has recovered from illness that kept her out of the last camp.

The pre-tournament roster contains a wealth of experience, led by Christine