There has been a completely different vibe in the USWNT. The American ladies called up an interesting roster for their ongoing SheBelieves Cup challenge. Beyond the expected names and those who couldn’t make it, excitement remains to see the newcomers in action. But this also places significant pressure on these newcomers to make a strong enough impression to retain their place in the team. Fortunately, Becky Sauerbrunn has some advice they can follow.

They say a missed opportunity is never regained, and who are we to argue? National team call-ups are often subjective, with only a select few getting the chance to represent their country. In some way, this is exactly what Sauerbrunn wants the young players to realize. “If you got invited in, it was for a reason,” began the former defender on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast.

Players like Tara McKeown, Ally Sentnor, and even teenage stars such as Gisele Thompson and Lily Yohannes are currently shining in the ongoing SheBelieves Cup campaign. This ignites a question of how exactly they can ensure that these opportunities come more frequently. “Stay true to what got you the invite. Don’t get into camp and all of a sudden feel you need to be a different player, a different person, and play outside of yourself,” continued Sauerbrunn.

Sauerbrunn insisted that each camp has its unique structure, a game plan, and tactics. Hence, she has advised all the newcomers to find their flare in these conditions while simultaneously keeping themselves “adaptable and coachable.” Another key National Team 101 that Becky shared is that players should refrain from going off the game plan out of nowhere. Otherwise, they’re going to get “yanked off the field.”

Instead, the key is to remain authentic to your game. After all, it works and that’s exactly why they received call-ups in the first place. Sauerbrunn knows that young players may struggle to get game time or even reps during training for that matter, but that is when the grind should kick in. “Make the most of absolutely every opportunity that you have. If you’re lucky enough to get on the field, do the non-negotiables and then work from there,” concluded Becky.

A non-negotiable indeed. Clearly, Sauerbrunn knows what is expected from players, especially the newcomers in any typical national team camp. After all, the former Portland Thorns defender speaks with her experience of 219 appearances and two World Cups. Well, Becky wasn’t alone as Mewis also had quite an interesting point to add to this debate.

USWNT youngsters should hardly focus on delivering ‘the best game of their lives’

At times, newcomers try to think of different ways to stand out from the rest. While there’s no harm in doing so, the problem is that they end up going beyond their wildest of imaginations. During game situations, they may think of making a unique pass or a chance to score a long-range effort in a bid to become a hero of the team. This is exactly what Sam Mewis has advised all the first timers to refrain from.

“Oftentimes, players will try to bite off so much and try to have the best game of their lives. You’re here because you’re good at these things so just focus on being good and you’ll do enough to get called back,” emphasized Mewis, who hails a record of 83 appearances, 24 goals, 10 assists, and a World Cup.

So it’s sorted then. The key for the USWNT youngsters here is to find their specific consistency factor and stick to it. Rest assured, following these things will see them back on the team.