Northern Ireland women's team faces Malta in a crucial World Cup qualifying double-header as they seek to end a seven-month goal drought. New manager Michael McArdle has called up uncapped striker Cora Chambers to help solve the team's scoring woes. The side has failed to score in four consecutive games and hasn't won in six matches.

McArdle is looking to Chambers, who scored 20 goals last season for Linfield alongside Eve Reilly, to provide fresh attacking impetus. The 22-year-old forward has netted 39 goals in 47 appearances since joining the club in 2024. With captain Simone Magill absent due to pregnancy, McArdle emphasizes that goalscoring responsibility must be shared across the squad, not just by Chambers and other forwards.

Malta, currently bottom of Group B2 and winless in their opening two games, presents an ideal opportunity for Northern Ireland to break their scoring slump. However, McArdle remains cautious, noting that Malta held Northern Ireland to a 0-0 draw in a previous Nations League encounter. The manager stresses the importance of building confidence and creating a high-energy, brave playing style to dominate possession and finally find the back of the net.