Team China on Wednesday announced the final 23-player roster for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, due to take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
The list includes six veterans who have played twice at the quadrennial event, three who have played once in the last edition, and 14 debutants. Experienced players, including Wang Shanshan, Wu Haiyan and Wang Shuang, lead the roster.
China were edged out in the round of 16 at the 2019 edition in France. "This time, we are certainly looking to make our target higher because this gives us more motivation," said head coach Shui Qingxia, who herself narrowly missed the chance to finish as runners-up at the 1999 edition, China's best ever showing at the event.
Hailed as the "Steel Roses," China will be eyeing the quarterfinal round this time.
The Chinese squad won a record-extending Women's Asian Cup title last year, their first in 16 years.
They will join England, Denmark and Haiti in Group D at the World Cup and kick off their campaign against Denmark in Perth on July 22.
Full list:
Goalkeepers: Zhu Yu, Xu Huan, Pan Hongyan
Defenders: Wu Haiyan, Yao Wei, Wang Linlin, Gao Chen, Chen Qiaozhu, Li Mengwen, Dou Jiaxing
Midfielders: Zhang Rui, Yao Lingwei, Gu Yasha, Zhang Xin, Yang Lina, Wu Chengshu, Zhang Linyan, Shen Mengyu
Forwards: Wang Shanshan, Wang Shuang, Tang Jiali, Xiao Yuyi, Lou Jiahui
(With input from Xinhua)