Chelsea Women duo Zecira Musovic and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd have both been selected in Sweden’s squad for the forthcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which begins in July, while Japan have included Maika Hamano in their final squad.
Manager Peter Gerhardsson named a 23-player squad on Tuesday which includes goalkeeper Musovic and winger Rytting Kaneryd, both of whom receive well-earned call-ups after their respective performances for the Blues at domestic level.
In February, Musovic signed a contract extension with Chelsea while Rytting Kaneryd enjoyed her first full season in English football. Our Swedish duo played significant roles as we secured a fourth successive league title alongside a third consecutive FA Cup triumph.
Our former captain Magdalena Eriksson, who leaves Chelsea this summer, is also in the squad, as are two other former Blues, Jonna Andersson and Sofia Jakobsson.
The draw for the finals this summer placed Sweden in Group G alongside South Africa, Italy and Argentina. Sweden get their group stage campaign underway against South Africa on July 23 in Wellington, with kick-off scheduled for 6.00am (UK time).
Meanwhile, Maika Hamano, who has been on loan at Swedish side Hammarby IF since signing in January, has been included in Japan’s squad. Japan are in Group C alongside Spain, Costa Rica and Zambia.
Sweden fixtures
Sweden v South Africa, Sunday 23 July, 06.00am (UK time), Wellington.
Sweden v Italy, Saturday 29 July, 08.30am (UK time), Wellington.
Argentina v Sweden, Wednesday 2 August, 08.00am (UK time), Hamilton.
Japan fixtures
Zambia v Japan, Saturday 22 July, 08.00am (UK time), Hamilton
Japan v Costa Rica, Wednesday 26 July, 06.00am (UK time), Dunedin
Japan v Spain, Monday 31 July, 08.00am (UK time), Wellington