TOKYO (AP) β Homare Sawa has been named to Japan’s squad for the Women’s World Cup after a one-year injury absence.
The 36-year-old Sawa, who led Japan to the title four years ago in Germany as tournament MVP and top scorer, was one of 23 players selected by coach Norio Sasaki for the June 6-July 5 competition in Canada.
It will be the sixth consecutive World Cup for Sawa, who was named 2011 World Player of the Year.
Japan begins its title defense against Switzerland on June 8 in Vancouver, followed by Cameroon four days later before moving to Winnipeg to face Ecuador on June 16.
Seventeen of the 23 players named have prior World Cup experience. Former Asian Player of the Year Aya Miyama will continue to captain the team.
