Swaby ready to lead Girlz defensive unit

National senior women's defender Allyson Swaby said she is ready to lead the Reggae Girlz defence at next month's FIFA Women's World Cup tournament in France.

The Reggae Girlz, who will be making their debut at the tournament, are drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Italy, and Australia.

The Jamaicans will get their campaign started on June 9 against Brazil. They will play Italy on June 14, and Australia on June 18.

The 22-year-old Swaby, who just completed her first season in the Italian league with AS Roma, told STAR Sports that she is very excited going to the World Cup and she plans to do her best to ensure that the Girlz give a good account of themselves at the tournament.

"You need to score goals to win, but you also need to stop the other team from scoring goals and so having a strong backline is super important and so I am definitely going to play my part," said Swaby.

Really excited

"The defence is the core of the team where if the keeper makes a save then the ball is going to start back with you. It is important that we are sharp and we are together at all times," she said.

"I am really excited and I guess we are fully in motion now because it seems a little more real. We are getting on planes to go places and so everyone is just really proud to be part of this journey," Swaby said.

She noted that the Reggae Girlz are very fit and focused going into World Cup and so they are very determined to put on a good showing for the country.

"Our athleticism will definitely be our advantage throughout this tournament and we are also really fit and so as long as everyone stays healthy, then we are going to give everyone a run for their money at this World Cup in France," said Swaby. She stated that playing in the Italian league has helped her to improve her game a lot this season.

"I have definitely grown as a player a lot because I have improved on my handling of the ball and that is one of the aspects of my game that I continue to improve on," she said.

"I think that my experience will definitely benefit the team because I am in Italy and so we are playing against the Italians on a weekly basis and I understand the way that they play," Swaby stated.