An 11-year veteran of the U.S national team, Lindsey Horan has seen it all at the highest level of international football.

Still just 29, she is closing on 150 senior caps and has played in two FIFA Women’s World Cup™ tournaments, triumphing at the finals in 2019. USA’s bid to defend their title was ended by Sweden in the last 16 at Australia & New Zealand 2023 – but Horan retains an unflinching optimism her team can swiftly re-establish themselves at the summit of the women’s game.

Given her vast experience, when she states USA’s current group are destined for “great things”, it’s enough to make any observer stand up and take notice.

The USA squad for the ongoing Concacaf W Gold Cup – where they have recorded two thumping wins in their opening two games – features seven players aged 23 or under. The exceptional emerging talent within the ranks, Horan says, points to a bright future.

“It’s a really exciting and I think everyone should stay tuned and watch what these young kids can do,” the Lyon midfielder told FIFA.com. “We’ve got some leaders in there, too, and we’re meshing well.

“There are always going to be setbacks ­– individually and collectively in the span of your career – and maybe the World Cup was one of them, but it’s how you come out of that. That’s what we’ve always said after that World Cup. It’s about how it shapes us and how we can turn it into a positive.

“This camp has been great. The vibes are good and the motivation is high. It’s really cool. You can see the confidence building – and the young players coming in that are boosting that. We just have to do our thing. I think you’re going to see such great things from this team.”

As captain, Horan explained how she has approached integrating the young players in the squad.

“I’ve made it known that they make up a lot of this team now,” she explained. “That’s the biggest thing. I’ve told them: ‘We need you guys to get the level you need to be at as soon as possible. Maybe it’s come around a little bit quicker than you thought it would – but you have to get [used to] the fine details, have conversations, and learn as much as you can in this environment. You guys can all do it and that’s why you’re here.’”

USA are currently under the watch of interim coach Twila Kilgore, with Emma Hayes set to take the reins in time for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament later this year. They have kicked off the inaugural W Gold Cup with a 5-0 win over Dominican Republic and a 4-0 victory against Argentina, in which Horan emphatically scored from the penalty spot.

Horan set out the team’s hunger to win the competition – and opened up on why it offers ideal preparation for the Olympics.

“Being part of the US national team, we always just want to win,” she added. “I rate the importance of the Gold Cup very highly and it’s a massive opportunity to replicate what we might get in the Olympics – playing against a lot of good teams in a tournament format. That’s very exciting for us. But the focus is not on the Olympics right now. The focus is on the Gold Cup and winning this competition.”

One of the youngest members of USA’s new-look squad is 19-year-old forward Jaedyn Shaw, who netted a brace in the win over Argentina. Horan described the qualities which set the San Diego Wave sensation apart.

“She’s a real footballer,” Horan said. “She likes to get on the ball, she likes to combine, and she sees a lot of things differently. She has got such an incredible touch and vision.

“I really enjoy playing with her because I think she sees a lot of things that I like to do on the field as well. She’s huge talent and she’s going to be such a big player for the national team.”

At the age of 23, meanwhile, Sophia Smith has unquestionably already elevated herself to ‘big player’ status. Horan, who watched the striker’s rapid development at close quarters when they were Portland Thorns team-mates, has backed Smith to spearhead USA’s attack for years to come.

“She has a massive role,” Horan said. “That’s such a cool thing for a young individual like that. She’s also someone that wants to continue to grow as much as possible. She keeps getting better, keeps scoring goals and keeps making such an impact on the game. It’s not a shock to see her blowing up and doing such great things for club and country. There is no limit for that girl. That’s so exciting for all the US fans.”