United States women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski has appointed Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan as co-captains ahead of the Women’s World Cup, in the absence of Becky Sauerbrunn.

Though Morgan and Horan have served as USWNT captains previously when Sauerbrunn failed to make the field, the two finally received the official honor from US Soccer on July 7.

“We have a lot of leaders on this team among the young players and the veteran players, and among those, Lindsey and Alex have vast experience in big games, and they understand what it takes to win at the highest levels,” said Andonovski. “They are ultimate professionals and understand all the factors that go into having a united and motivated team. I know they will represent us well on and off the field at the World Cup.”

The coach later confirmed that when both players are on the field at the same time, Horan will wear the armband.

Alex Morgan will debut the honor in her fourth World Cup, after previously featuring in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions. Overall, she’s managed 121 goals in 206 appearances to become an USWNT staple.

Horan will be featuring in her second World Cup following her participation in the 2019 tournament, where she managed two goals in six games. She stands as an integral part of the midfield, recording a total of 27 goals in 128 caps.

The two will lead the American side in Group E, taking on Vietnam, the Netherlands and Portugal before attempting to make history and reach a third consecutive World Cup title.

This article was originally published on 90min as Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan named USWNT co-captains for Women's World Cup.