Northern Ireland Women’s Team Welcomes Back Veteran Sarah McFadden for Crucial Play-Offs Against Iceland In a significant boost for the Northern Ireland Women’s team, experienced defender Sarah McFadden returns to the squad for the upcoming key play-offs against Iceland. Her leadership and skill on the field are expected to play a pivotal role as the team aims for victory in this crucial match-up. Fans and teammates alike are excited to see McFadden back in action, ready to contribute to...
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The Northern Ireland women’s football team is preparing for a significant challenge as they approach their Nations League play-off matches against Iceland. These matches, scheduled to take place in Ballymena on October 24 and Reykjavik on October 28, will determine their placement in Group A for the upcoming Nations League season.
In notable news, defender Sarah McFadden returns to the squad, marking her first appearance since facing Montenegro in February 2024. With an impressive record of 106 caps, McFadden’s contribution is vital, particularly after overcoming a long-term injury and giving birth to her second child.
Challenges and opportunities ahead
McFadden’s return is timely, as team captain Simone Magill is sidelined with a hip injury. McFadden’s extensive experience will be crucial in guiding a squad that includes several young players. Tanya Oxtoby, the head coach, has infused the roster with fresh talent, including 18-year-old midfielder Mia Moore and 25-year-old forward Leyla McFarland, who is also a teammate of McFadden at Durham Women.
Facing a strong opponent
The upcoming matches present a formidable challenge, as Iceland’s national team, led by coach Þorsteinn Halldórsson, is regarded as a tough competitor. Iceland recently qualified for the Euro 2025 finals, although they faced challenges in their group matches against Finland, Norway, and Switzerland, suffering defeats in each.
Northern Ireland concluded their group stages with a second-place finish behind Poland in Group E and will aim to leverage their strengths. They managed to outpace Romania and Bosnia, demonstrating their potential to compete at higher levels.
Adapting to changes in the squad
Oxtoby’s squad is youthful and is missing several key players due to injuries, including Laura Rafferty from Rangers, Brenna McPartlan from Burnley Women, and Ellie Mason from Charlton. Additionally, the team has bid farewell to veterans Rachel Furness and Rachel Dugdale, who retired following a 1-1 draw with Bosnia in June. Despite these challenges, Oxtoby remains optimistic about the potential of this young group.
A focus on growth and experience
Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming matches, Oxtoby stated, “While the playoffs present a challenge, our focus extends beyond just the results.” She views this as an opportunity for the team to assess their abilities against a strong Icelandic side, underscoring the value of understanding and learning throughout the process.
“We aim to win every game, recognizing that we’ve earned our place to compete against one of Europe’s elite teams. However, we also need to embrace the learning experience,” she added. Oxtoby encourages players to approach these matches with enthusiasm and a growth mindset, stating, “If we execute our game plan well, we could achieve surprising results.”
Player roster overview
The squad comprises a blend of experienced and emerging talents, showcasing the depth of Northern Ireland’s women’s football program. The goalkeepers include Jackie Burns from Calgary Wild, Maddy Harvey-Clifford from Crusaders Strikers, and Kate Smith from Lisburn Rangers Ladies.
In defense, alongside McFadden, are Rebecca Holloway and Rebecca McKenna from Birmingham City Women, Abi Sweetlove from Linfield Women, Toni-Leigh Finnegan from Aberdeen Women, and Natalie Johnson from Nottingham Forest Women. The midfield features Nadene Caldwell, Aimee Kerr, and Moore from Glentoran Women, as well as Louise McDaniel from Burnley Women and others.
In notable news, defender Sarah McFadden returns to the squad, marking her first appearance since facing Montenegro in February 2024. With an impressive record of 106 caps, McFadden’s contribution is vital, particularly after overcoming a long-term injury and giving birth to her second child.0
