Courtney Brosnan, Megan Connolly and Leanne Kiernan return to Ireland's 23-player squad for crucial 2027 World Cup qualifiers after recovering from injuries that kept them out of last month's Nations League play-off victory over Belgium. Goalkeeper Brosnan (Everton), midfielder Connolly (Lazio) and forward Kiernan (Nottingham Forest loan) join captain Katie McCabe (Arsenal) as Arsenal's 100-cap veteran leads preparations for matches against France and Netherlands.

The Irish team features 12 debutantes including West Ham's Jess Ziu and Leicester's Heather Payne, with manager Vera Ward aiming to replicate her predecessor's success. Notables absent from the final list include Crystal Palace's Ruesha Littlejohn and Sunderland's Jamie Finn, while Liverpool's Denise O'Sullivan and Lazio's Megan Connolly anchor the midfield.

Ireland face France in Dublin on 3 March before traveling to Utrecht for a Netherlands clash. Ward's squad carries momentum after a 3-2 friendly win against Hungary in Marbella, though their qualification hopes face challenges after finishing bottom of their 2023 World Cup group. The Nations League promotion secured last October provides vital preparation for World Cup contention.

Key absences include West Ham's Jess Ziu and Leicester's Heather Payne, while Nottingham Forest's loan signings Jessie Stapleton and Chloe Mustaki earn spots. The squad blends Premier League experience with emerging talent as Ireland seeks to build on Pauw's historic qualification achievement and avoid repeating early tournament exits.