Canada are prepared for Ireland’s physicality says Chelsea’s Lawrence | OneFootball

Ashley Lawrence says that Canada are looking to put on a dominant performance against the Republic of Ireland when the two sides meet at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Wednesday.

Lawrence, who completed her transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Chelsea late last month, says that Canada are well-prepared for the physicality that the Republic of Ireland showed against Australia in their opening game.

“We know you have to be ready for any battle out there and we’re going to match that physicality but also show our composure and calmness on the ball, and hopefully get into the final third and create some chances,” Lawrence said when speaking in the pre-match press conference. “I think we’re looking to put on a dominant performance to of course, get the result.”

Lawrence also spoke about Canada’s goalless draw in their opening group game with Nigeria last Friday. She said that she believes that the team are confident in their ability to convert their chances, despite only scoring twice in their previous five games.

She said “I think that we need to continue the way that we are. Analysing those performances, we’ve created opportunities, we’ve gone to the final third, and we do have the players with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

“It’s not a question of changing things, but it’s more of continuing to believe in our style and trusting in that process.”

Looking ahead to after the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Lawrence will join her Canadian teammates Kadeisha Buchanan and Jessie Fleming at Chelsea. On the subject of joining the current Barclays Women’s Super League champions, Lawrence said that it has given her ‘an extra boost’ coming into the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I am really excited to make that move,” the defender said. “It’s going to be a new adventure and a new challenge for me.

“It does give me an extra boost playing for a top club in Europe and just seeing the investment that the league is putting in.

“It was a team that I want to play for and a league that I want to be a part of. Seeing the growth in the women’s game more and more is just super-exciting.”

Canada take on the Republic of Ireland in their second Group B match in Perth at 1pm on Wednesday afternoon.