Internationals - Shelina starts SheBelieves Cup campaign

Shelina Zadorsky played the full 90 minutes of Canada’s SheBelieves Cup opener against the United States on Thursday night in Orlando, Florida.

In a gritty, resilient performance, the Canadians thwarted the attacking threats of the world’s top ranked side and Shelina impressed at the heart of defence.  

The backline resisted and frustrated the Americans until the 79^th minute when they were eventually undone by a low strike from substitute, Rose Lavelle.    

Shelina had a chance to level the scores in the dying seconds of the game, but her header flashed agonisingly wide of the post.

The experienced defender lined up against her former Spurs team-mate, Alex Morgan, for the first time since the latter returned to America.

Canada face Argentina on Sunday in the next match of the SheBelieves Cup tournament.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Esther Morgan has been called up to the Wales senior squad as preparations get underway for their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Our WSL Academy graduate has linked up with team-mates Josie Green and on-loan Anna Filbey at the Welsh training camp.

Canada fixtures

Sunday 21 February – Argentina v Canada – 11pm kick-off

Wednesday 24 February – Canada v Brazil – 9pm kick-off