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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Experienced forward leading by example</li><li>Netted match-winning goal in major final</li><li>United States blending experience &amp; youth</li></ul>

Captain America! Lindsey Horan explains why skippering USWNT is becoming ‘easier’ after inspiring group of exciting youngsters to W Gold Cup glory

Friendlies

England

While the United States have plenty of potential at their disposal, they are looking to blend youth with experience. Horan falls into the latter of those two camps, with over 140 caps to her name, and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-lindsey-horan-lifts-first-ever-concacaf-w-gold-cup-victory-over-brazil/blt0b6135a44eab9334" target="_blank">provided the inspiration once again</a> as she <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/uswnt-player-ratings-brazil-gold-cup-lindsey-horan/blt2cc5fbe23ce22eb6" target="_blank">netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Brazil</a> that secured another piece of major silverware for the States.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Horan told <a href="https://twitter.com/AttackingThird/status/1767022392000319608 " target="_blank">CBS Sports</a> afterwards of what it is like to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/scenes-uswnt-stars-alex-morgan-sophia-smith-chug-champagne-w-gold-cup-trophy-winning-habit/blt90e7367b9f563e68" target="_blank">skipper the USWNT’s class of 2024</a>: “My team-mates make it a lot easier for me because you see on the field, there are a lot of leaders on there. Even some of the younger ones, they stepped up in this tournament and showed their leadership. Having Alyssa [Naeher] in the back of the field as well, stepping up massive, they take a lot of weight off my shoulders. They make my job easier in whatever I can do to help this team and get the best out of everyone, but also be a role model in what I do on the field.”

WHAT HORAN SAID

The USWNT had a couple of teenagers in their Gold Cup squad, including <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/jaedyn-shaw-uswnt-teenage-superstar-wins-concacaf-w-gold-cup-golden-ball-best-player/blt8d1d1a7953329e9f" target="_blank">striking sensation Jaedyn Shaw</a>, and seven players in total under the age of 25. Horan added on the progress being made by superstars of tomorrow: “They are so big. You have seen some of them playing their first final, in a major tournament. One, this being the Gold Cup and a massive tournament, but also going into the Olympics and seeing what they can prove. They have done it this tournament and I’m so proud because it looks like they aren’t young and inexperienced. For them to do that day in and day out and come and prove themselves to this team and the coaching staff is so great.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USWNT also have SheBelieves Cup glory to try and chase down in April, before attention then turns to the pursuit of gold medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Current Chelsea boss <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/no-cash-machine-heaven-emma-hayes-didnt-accept-lucrative-uswnt-job-for-money-chelsea-olympic-world-cup-glory/blt2d53c194c5a0596a" target="_blank">Emma Hayes will be at the helm by then</a>, and she will be delighted to see a star-studded squad back in the trophy-winning habit.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT?

Captain America! Lindsey Horan explains why skippering USWNT is becoming ‘easier’ after inspiring group of exciting youngsters to W Gold Cup glory | Goal.com

Lindsey Horan has explained why captaining the USWNT is becoming “easier”, with exciting youngsters stepping up in a W Gold Cup triumph.