Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu have been named in Japan's 23-player squad for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The tournament takes place across Australia and New Zealand throughout July and August and the Hammers duo will represent Nadeshiko on the biggest stage.
Japan will face Zambia, Costa Rica and Spain in Group C, with all of their group stage fixtures taking place in New Zealand. They kick-off the tournament on Saturday 22 July when they take on Zambia in Hamilton.
Shimizu was a key cog in the West Ham United side, appearing 28 times across all competitions, missing only one fixture across her debut season in England.
It was a similar story for Hayashi, who made 26 appearances in Claret & Blue in what was also her first season in the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL). The 25-year-old midfielder netted her first goal for the Club in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in October last year.
World Cup bound! 👏
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) June 13, 2023
Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu have been named in Japan's squad for the upcoming World Cup! 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/j2rGDGN1jf
Former Hammer, Yui Hasegawa, now of Manchester City, Liverpool midfielder Fuka Nagano and Chelsea forward Maika Hamano were also called up by Head Coach Futoshi Ikeda, meaning there are five players representing the WSL in Japan's squad.
For all the latest news on Hammers in action at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup which begins on Thursday 20 July, stay up to date with whufc.com!
