European Solheim team is 'strongest ever' says captain

Captain Suzann Pettersen believes Europe have assembled their strongest team ever as they bid to win an unprecedented third straight Solheim Cup.

Nine of Pettersen's 12-strong side are ranked inside the world's top 50, including Evian Championship winner Celine Boutier (fifth) and Charley Hull (eighth), who finished runner-up in both the US Women's Open and AIG Women's Open this year.

Leona Maguire, who flies the flag for Ireland currently sits in 18th.

Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh is ranked just outside the top 50, although Pettersen raised a few eyebrows when she selected world numbers 121 and 122 Caroline Hedwall and Emily Pedersen as two of her four captain's picks.

"I think we're all very ready to go," Pettersen told a pre-event press conference at Finca Cortesin in Spain.

"I don't think there's any reason to hide that, if you look on paper, we have the strongest team that I've ever been a part of, and that's based on great performances over the last few years from all the players.

"With good results there's also expectations, but these girls are so up for it, so we can't wait."

Pettersen singled out Maguire - who won four-and-a-half points out of a possible last time out on her debut.

"I just think she's the type of player you would like to keep on the course at all times. She’s just that feisty. She’s just that good.

"As soon as those sunglasses go on she’s in her own little bubble and just keep her there. She kind of proved that pretty well in Toledo and I’m pretty sure she’s going to be quite competitive this week," said the captain of the Cavan golfer.

Pettersen's sentiments were echoed by several of her players on Wednesday, with Hull, who has been plagued by a neck injury, adding: "I think this is a very, very strong