Julie Ertz makes surprise USA return for Ireland friendlies

Midfielder Julie Ertz made a surprise return to the USA squad for their final two international friendlies against the Republic of Ireland next month, following an extended absence after she gave birth to her first child.

The 8 April and 11 April matches against Vera Pauw's side represent the last chance for players to show they deserve a ticket to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the defending champions begin their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive title.

It will also be a major test for the Girls in Green as they gear up for their first ever appearance at a major tournament. Pauw names her squad for the trip to America on Friday.

USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski previously cautioned that Ertz, two-times US Soccer Female Player of the Year, was running out of time to make the cut, as she has yet to sign with a team this season after giving birth in August.

It will be the first time the 30-year-old has played in a professional capacity since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics [in 2021], where the US came away with bronze.

Also returning to the fold is defender Casey Krueger, who gave birth in July, and forward Sophia Smith, the 2022 US Soccer Female Player of the Year who was sidelined earlier this year due to injury.

"It's exciting to get the group back together and we're getting closer to how we want to look this summer," said Andonovski.

"The team is gelling and getting these players back in camp, all who know the environment very well, is just going to make it more competitive and turn the intensity up a notch."

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