In a short post on her official Instagram page the 24-year-old goalkeeper said she would be “making herself unavailable” for England selection just days before Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad was due to be announced.
The Cityzens stopper has been a regular feature in Lionesses squads despite playing as back-up to fellow England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck at club level but was forced out of the squad back in early April owing to an injury which subsequently kept her out for the remainder of Manchester City’s campaign too.
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The post read: “To the fans. I’ve taken the decision to make myself available for England selection moving forwards. My current focus remains on my rehab. I am making great progress and look forward to a fully-fit pre-season with City. Wishing all the girls the best of luck in Australia.”
The former Everton player’s move to make her herself unavailable for selection has surprised some, with City head coach Gareth Taylor saying he expected her to be available for the Lionesses World Cup campaign as recently as April 22. On the goalkeeper’s injury, the City boss claimed: “She’ll (Sandy MacIver) recover in time for that (World Cup). The injury is groin/abductor area. It’s something she had while she was here with us and got worse with England.”
MacIver’s withdrawal from selection offers a potential reprieve for Aston Villa stopper Hannah Hampton, who has only been included in the by Wiegman once since making last year’s European Championship squad. Alternatively, Everton’s Emily Ramsey - who is on loan from Manchester United - could receive a call up to Dutch head coach’s squad, which will be announced at 2pm on May 31.