Northern Ireland manager Michael McArdle has named his first squad for the double-header against Malta. The 23-player group includes uncapped Linfield Women striker Cora Chambers, according to the Irish Football Association. The fixtures on April 10 and April 13 serve as the opening matches for the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Veteran goalkeeper Jackie Burns returns to the squad alongside Midtjylland defender Laura Rafferty. McArdle, who took over from Tanya Oxtoby, has also recalled several players who missed previous international windows through injury. Simone Magill and Lauren Wade remain as the primary attacking options for the fixtures in Ta' Qali and Belfast.
Midfielder Rachel Furness is unavailable for selection due to injury, per the Irish FA. Northern Ireland occupies a position in League B for the qualifying cycle. The squad will assemble in Belfast on Monday before travelling to Malta for the first fixture on Friday evening. McArdle stated that the selection focused on recent domestic form and consistency, as reported by the Belfast Telegraph.
