Wellington Phoenix forward Ella McCann has unfortunately been ruled out of Aotearoa New Zealand’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup squad after suffering an ACL injury in training with the team in Colombia ahead of the side’s opening match.

“We are gutted for Ella, it is a really tough one to take” said head coach Leon Birnie.

“The whole team will be supporting her and I know she will be our biggest supporter in our next game.”

McCann will remain with the team in Colombia for treatment initially before traveling back to her club.  

The New Zealand U-20 team next face Austria at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup on Friday 6 September at 1pm. The game can be watched live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Thursday 05 September 2024