Alex Morgan calls SheBelieves Cup 'a good test' for USWNT ahead of 2023 Women's World Cup
The veteran American footballer said the series, set to start 16 February, offers a good testing ground with the FIFA Women's World Cup looming in July.
Football
There will be plenty of familiar faces for footballer Alex Morgan in the crowd next Thursday (16 February).
The veteran American striker confirmed she'll have family - including daughter Charlie - in attendance for the USWNT's kick-off of the SheBelieves Cup, set for Orlando against rival and reigning Olympic champion Canada.
It's an extra special game for Morgan as she will be honoured prior to the start of it for her 200th cap, which came at the close of the 2022 season. She's just the 26th woman ever to hit the 200 mark internationally.
Japan play Brazil earlier that day in the Cup, which is a six-game, three-city series played over a one-week span.
Morgan said the collection of friendlies is "a good test" for the U.S. women ahead of this year's FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
The USWNT is the reigning World Cup champion, winning it in 2019 in France.
"This is always a big tournament for us," Morgan, 33, told reporters in a video conference on Wednesday (8 February) - in reference to SheBelieves Cup. "It's always really good competition for us. Managing the fatigue and travel going to three different cities, playing three good teams for us back-to-back... [that's] a good test for us."
She added: "We want to continue to prove to ourselves why we belong at the top and why we have the mentality that we do."
Alex Morgan on the USWNT: 'We're exactly where we need to be'
The U.S. started the year off by making the long trip to New Zealand, scoring two victories over the host nation in another World Cup-minded outing.
Morgan, who has been on the U.S. squad for 13 years, said the team is in a good place as the World Cup year unfolds.
"I think we're exactly where we need to be right now," she said. "Our identity is a strong one and one that we're continuing to build on. We're a mix of younger players and more experienced players. Everyone is gelling as one team. We hold each other accountable. We don't shy away from getting into one another... we have to hold one another accountable.
"We're going in the right direction and we'll be peaking at the right time," she continued. "SheBelieves Cup is a chance for us to continue to build on what we need to."
Said Morgan of the current crop of U.S. players: "I've been on this team 12-13 years. I do love my teammates. This team is something special. It takes something special to endure a pressure-cooker environment. I respect the players on this team and the mentality that we're going to have each other's backs on and off the field."
The U.S. will play Japan on Sunday (19 February) before meeting Brazil as their last of three games that next Wednesday (22 Feb.).