Emma Hayes leaves out legendary striker from USWNT 2024 Olympics squad | OneFootball

Emma Hayes has named her US Women’s National Team squad for the upcoming Olympics in France, opting to leave legendary San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan out of the group.

The former Chelsea boss formally took charge of the four-time gold medalists at the end of last month following the conclusion of the 2023/24 WSL season. She departed the London club after more than a decade at the helm and parted ways in the best possible fashion with a staggering fifth league title in a row.

Now, she’s set to embark on a new challenge and her first major tournament squad announcement has certainly sparked plenty of debate. Among the key omissions is USWNT legend Morgan as well as veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

Instead, Hayes has opted for forwards Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson to lead the line at the Olympics.

Speaking on social media on Wednesday, Morgan said: "Today, I'm disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent my country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.

"In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country."

Alex Morgan in action for San Diego Wave FC / Ira L. Black - Corbis/GettyImages

Hayes explained her decision when addressing the media and admitted it wasn’t an easy call to make.

"I've only had one opportunity to work with her in the last camp and I saw first-hand not just her qualities but her professionalism, and her record speaks for itself," the USWNT boss said.

"It's not easy making a decision when there are only 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers on a roster of 18, so it was a tough decision of course - especially considering Alex's history and record with this team, but I felt I wanted to go in another direction and selected other players."

The women's football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics begins on July 25 and will run until August 10. The US are in a group with Zambia, Germany and Australia and begin their campaign against Zambia in Nice on July 25.

USWNT 2024 Olympics squad in full

Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders: Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)

Midfielders: Korbin Albert (PSG), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Catarina Macario (Chelsea)

Forwards: Crystal Dunn (Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)

Alternates: Jane Campbell (goalkeeper), Hal Hershfelt (midfielder), Croix Bethune (midfielder) and Lynn Williams (forward).