Why Hayes is letting top talent rest — and what it means for the future of the USWNT.
Emma Hayes has confirmed that the upcoming USWNT training camp will feature a squad of almost all NWSL-based players.
The decision comes as a move to prioritise player welfare, giving European-based players a rare and much-needed break following a demanding season.
This comes just weeks after Hayes Chelsea Captain Millie Bright openly spoke about her current experience with burnout and physically and mentally unfit and has caused the women's football world to speak on the importance of recovery.
Carla Ward said: “Katie (McCabe) has played many minutes for club and country.
"It won't just be Katie that won't be travelling. There's probably going to be a number. We discussed it at the press conference the other day, and it isn't easy.
“I mean, you've seen with Millie Bright at England coming out, mental and physical fatigue is massive.
"I felt it when I was manager of Villa. It's the reason I needed that break. It's a tough place to be, and I think there are a lot of players who are close to that.
“They've played a lot of minutes, so we have to protect them. We must protect them as people and support anybody who needs that break."
The only overseas exception is Naomi Girma, who returns to the squad after recovering from a calf injury earlier this year. This marks her first call-up of 2025.
Speaking to ESPN's Futbol W, Hayes said, "This is the first and only opportunity for them to take a break between now and the World Cup in two years. Rest and recovery are just as important as training."
The USWNT will play Ireland in Denver, Colorado, and Cincinnati, Ohio, last June.
This is before a meeting with Concacaf rival Canada on July 2nd in Washington, D.C.
This decision is only going to benefit the players. It was a response to a conversation with the medical team, who were looking at the minutes of players during the 2023 World Cup and the Olympics, which consumed the summer and was the only extended period in European football they could have off.
She believes it is in the player's best interests to have this offseason, especially as some players will be needed back for pre-season as soon as July.
While the NWSL will break from regular-season play throughout July.
Also, Hayes looks to the future with these only being friendly. Have a squad rotation ahead of crucial World Cup qualification, which will take place next year for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in LA.
Most players Hayes calls up for the next training camp will be from the U.S.-based National Women's Soccer League.
The NWSL season ends in late November, meaning NWSL players typically have most of December and January off from club and international duties.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle could be on the squad after returning to the field for Gotham FC on Saturday for the first time in six months following ankle surgery.
Hayes told ESPN: "I very much hope she will be with us in camp."
"She's had, as she calls it, a very lengthy layoff. I don't think Rose makes an outstanding injured player; she's bored senseless. I think she's looking forward to not just getting back for Gotham. It was great for her to appear over the weekend, but we miss her on the national team.
"We miss her experience, and [we're] looking forward to her returning."
Forward Trinity Rodman will not be at full fitness for the June international matches, but she could play for the club Washington Spirit in July.
This is due to her ongoing back problems, which kept her away from the international squad. She has not played a competitive game of football since April 12th.
Hayes said on Rodman: "But of course, she has to feel that her back's in a place where she can move beyond the pain she's carried for a time.
"She's in great spirits, and I know we're moving in the right direction with Trin. Both club and country have been working hard to get her to this stage."
The USWNT manager has been outspoken about improving collaboration in constructing calendars between clubs and countries, especially those playing abroad.
Hayes, who spent over a decade in England as manager of Chelsea, leading them to seven WSL titles, suggested the solution would be an ongoing balance between club and country. To do this, she would increase the number of players she can call up for her squad.
This has helped her make her decision to let the European-based players rest.
Hayes said to ESPN: "I've been in that situation as a club coach at Chelsea, and I had a large roster where I had to manage 20-plus international players, so I am accustomed to rosters playing internationally, and there has to be a place for both to co-exist,"
"We're working with the NWSL to create the best conditions for our players. But listen, no one will ever be happy with that, whether it's club or national team.
"The realities are that there are more games than ever, but we have to work together to make sure we get it right."
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