Ventspils Overview

Ten NWSL players, including Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, headline WAFCON, with continental glory and 2027 World Cup qualification at stake.

Alessia Russo is one of 11 Lionesses on the list of nominees for this year's FIFPRO XI, which also includes seven players from the Spain side England beat in the European Championship final - albeit not Mariona Caldentey, who put La Roja ahead in that game and finished as runner-up to Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d'Or. That's not the only surprise, either, with Mary Earps included and there no representation for the United States women's national team.

The 31-year-old forward has been serving the country for more than a decade before making a shocking decision to walk away from the national team.

The 28-year-old, who features for JVW, has penned a heartfelt message since she suffered the injury that saw her stretchered off as Banyana battled Nigeria.