USWNT’s Alex Morgan: I’m confident in what I have to bring to the table
As Emma Hayes ushers the USWNT into a new era, so too comes the introduction of the next generation of football stars ready to lead that dynasty.
But veteran forward Alex Morgan is confident that she still has plenty to offer ahead of Paris 2024.
For the best part of her 15-year career with the national team, Morgan, who plays domestically for San Diego Wave, has been a mainstay in the side for a reason.
“At this point in my career, I know what I have to bring to the table and being confident in that,” she told NBC.
“If that means I fit into the puzzle in some way with the national team, then great. That’s always my goal.
“But if it doesn’t, it’s out of my control.”
Heading into a major tournament, the 34-year-old believes her experience in particular can serve as a major asset alongside fresh faces.
“Mentality wise, there is some richness to having so much experience on this team and understanding the adjustment things have,” she continued.
“Like when you get a new coach, when you have a lead-up to the Olympics or another major tournament.
“That experience definitely brings some sort of calm and ease in a way that maybe a younger player going for the first time might not have.”
After crashing out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Round of 16, their earliest-ever exit, and finishing third at Tokyo 2020, the USA are eyeing redemption in Paris.
But they are going to have to be at their best if they want to return to the top of the Olympic podium.
“If we’re not at our best, we could be beaten and we’ve seen that in recent years,” Morgan said.
“We want to get back to our winning ways but we know the competition is bigger than ever.
“I love to see that but it also puts the pressure back on us to be able to increase our level of play as well.”
Team USA will kick off their Olympic campaign against Group B opponents Zambia on Thursday 25 July, before facing Germany and Australia.