Emma Hayes is making headlines with her recent roster selections for the team’s final friendlies of the year against England and the Netherlands. Hayes has announced a 24-player roster for these matches, and her choices have sparked considerable discussion. With fresh faces, rest periods for veteran forwards, and the inclusion of a promising teenager, Hayes is receiving both praise and criticism. 

Emma Hayes is known for her willingness to make bold changes, stating, “I have no fear whatsoever to be able to put out a very different team, if that’s what we choose to do, against England.” This steadfast belief in her vision, even amid criticism, highlights the refreshing boldness she brings to her role.

As the team prepares for the demanding journey to the 2027 World Cup, Emma Hayes finds herself in a unique position compared to her counterparts, such as England’s Sarina Wiegman or the Netherlands’ Andries Jonker, who are concentrating on the upcoming 2024 UEFA European Championship.

Unlike them, Hayes is not under immediate pressure to secure a trophy or maintain a championship-winning squad. Her focus is instead on assembling a roster that can compete at the highest level in the years ahead. “I like doing these things. I’ve developed rosters over a long period of time. (Players) don’t improve by just having them on the roster. We have to give them opportunities to do that,” she added.

Emma Hayes’ commitment to providing opportunities for young and emerging talent is clear in her recent comments. Players like Alyssa Thompson, Emma Sears, and Eva Gaetano have received accolades for their performances, earning another chance to shine. In Hayes’ perspective, merit and potential are paramount. She is eager to embrace change and new challenges if it leads to discovering the next generation of USWNT stars.

Emma Hayes’ bold approach to USWNT roster choices

The absence of Olympic frontliners Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman has sparked debate, with some critics claiming that Hayes is taking an unnecessary risk. However, the coach defends her choice, prioritizing player welfare over short-term success.

In football, as in life, growth comes from change, and change often involves risk. For Hayes, this is familiar ground. With the U.S. preparing to face tough opponents like England at Wembley and the Netherlands at ADO Den Haag Stadium, every decision is significant. Yet Emma Hayes views this as an ideal chance to develop emerging talent and build a deeper, more resilient squad. “I really want our players to get a sense of what it feels like to play in someone’s national stadium,” Emma Hayes explained.

The commitment of teenage midfielder Lily Yohannes to the USWNT exemplifies this vision. Alongside Yohannes, players such as Tullis-Joyce and Sentnor will have their opportunities to shine. For Hayes, their inclusion is not a gamble; it’s a strategic investment in the future. She has complete faith in their potential. “If you’re good enough, you perform well enough, then you’ll always be in consideration for the roster,” Hayes stated. In her environment, talent outweighs reputation, and opportunities are earned rather than given.

With young talents like Alyssa Thompson, Emma Sears, and Eva Gaetano making an impact in previous camps, Emma Hayes sees this as a prime opportunity to further evaluate their capabilities. “From Alyssa Thompson to Emma Sears, you know, to Eva Gaetano, they’re showing that they deserve chances to be recognized again,” Hayes noted.

Emma Hayes’ strategy may not resonate with everyone, but as she guides her team through a transformative phase, she remains committed to the belief that every risk, every challenge, and every moment of uncertainty contributes to building something enduring.