Captain America! Lindsey Horan explains why skippering USWNT is becoming ‘easier’ after inspiring group of exciting youngsters to W Gold Cup glory

While the United States have plenty of potential at their disposal, they are looking to blend youth with experience. Horan falls into the latter of those two camps, with over 140 caps to her name, and provided the inspiration once again as she netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Brazil that secured another piece of major silverware for the States.

Horan told CBS Sports afterwards of what it is like to skipper the USWNT’s class of 2024: “My team-mates make it a lot easier for me because you see on the field, there are a lot of leaders on there. Even some of the younger ones, they stepped up in this tournament and showed their leadership. Having Alyssa [Naeher] in the back of the field as well, stepping up massive, they take a lot of weight off my shoulders. They make my job easier in whatever I can do to help this team and get the best out of everyone, but also be a role model in what I do on the field.”

The USWNT had a couple of teenagers in their Gold Cup squad, including striking sensation Jaedyn Shaw, and seven players in total under the age of 25. Horan added on the progress being made by superstars of tomorrow: “They are so big. You have seen some of them playing their first final, in a major tournament. One, this being the Gold Cup and a massive tournament, but also going into the Olympics and seeing what they can prove. They have done it this tournament and I’m so proud because it looks like they aren’t young and inexperienced. For them to do that day in and day out and come and prove themselves to this team and the coaching staff is so great.”

The USWNT also have SheBelieves Cup glory to try and chase down in April, before attention then turns to the pursuit of gold medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Current Chelsea boss Emma Hayes will be at the helm by then, and she will be delighted to see a star-studded squad back in the trophy-winning habit.