Leicester’s Josie Green happy to contribute in any way she can
Josie Green of Wales at full time. Wales v Greece in a FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier at Parc y Scarlets on the 26th November 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Under Gemma Grainger’s tenure, there is no doubt that the depth in the Cymru squad has improved no end.
The number of players playing at top WSL clubs or abroad has increased, and of course, this makes the team a lot stronger.
However, while the standard and quality has increased, the game time for some has stagnated.
Take Leicester’s Josie Green. A player who has captained Tottenham and been a solid player for the Foxes this season, her minutes in the red shirt have been here and there.
Yet, if you think the lack of minutes would be enough to deter Green, you would be mistaken. While acknowledging the midfield is a very competitive area of the pitch, she knows she can bring some different qualities to the team.
“It’s such a competitive environment here and there’s great players all across the pitch. You’ve got a midfield three who are very experienced.
“Obviously as a player you want to play, that’s what you always want to do. But I’m happy to help the team in any way that I can. I feel like I have a strong role here to play in the team, so I’m focused on doing what I can.
“The team focus is to qualify for a major tournament and if I can help them do that in any way possible, then that’s what I’m here for.”
With the competitiveness within the squad being at an all-time high, new players are constantly being bought into the first team.
This camp is no different, with Mary McAteer, who has recently signed for Sunderland, being introduced to the environment.
Every new member has settled in seamlessly amongst the rest of the squad, and Green, who herself took some time away from the squad a few years ago, has praised the welcoming nature of the team.
“The culture here is something that’s been formed over a long period of time. It’s not something that’s just come about randomly.
“It’s a testament to the older players here, the staff and everyone else involved for creating such a welcoming culture here.
“It’s something you can really feel and hopefully the fans and everyone else on the outside can see that. It’s a great place to be.”
At club level, Green and her Leicester side produced a great escape to book their place in next season’s edition of the WSL.
Two key cogs in their survival were Wales forwards Carrie Jones and Hannah Cain.
Having seen their development up close for the past season, Green is excited to see what the future holds for two of Cymru’s brightest prospects.
“Carrie and Hannah have got bags of talent and they’ve got a great head on their shoulders too. I’m excited to follow both of their careers in the future.
“They’ve both got so many years ahead of them and they’re great people too and a good presence to have around the squad.”
Green and the rest of the squad are currently out in California, as they prepare to take on four time World Champions, the USA.
“It’s a massive game. The USA are a big team who are ranked number one in the world. It’s a super exciting challenge for us.
“You always want to play against the best, so it’s a good challenge to see where we’re at and everyone is excited and looking forward to the game.”
With the US sitting top of the FIFA rankings, many will expect the Americans to almost have their way with Wales.
Yet, Green says anything can happen, especially as this Cymru team relish playing big opposition.
“At the end of the day it’s eleven players against eleven players. Anything can happen once you step over that white line, and we’re excited to test ourselves against such a big nation.
“You don’t get that opportunity often so it’s about embracing that challenge and sticking to what we know. We’ve had some tests in the past against some great nations.
“That’s what we like, and when the pressure is on us to play big teams, we always step up.”
