ELLIE Carpenter was delighted to show off her new Olympique Lyonnais shirt on Saturday, but as much as the Western NSW product is looking forward to her French football debut, she still has a green and gold mission in mind.
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The star Matildas defender who began her soccer career in the Central West can't wait until 2023 when Australia and New Zealand act as joint hosts of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
It is a tournament she dreamed of playing in when she was growing up.
"When I was only eight or nine years old when I first watched the Matilda and I said to myself that I want to be on the field next day. So for the next generation of kids to see us in a World Cup, that's going to be so sick," she wrote in a column.
"I really believe this is going to be a turning point for women's football in Australia because it is going to inspire so many people."
READ MORE: Carpenter signs for French women's club Lyon
While playing in a World Cup on home soil will be a huge highlight for Carpenter if she gains selection, she is hoping the Matildas can use that as motivation.
"There's only one thing that could possibly top the feeling we all had when the announcement was made ... and that's winning the trophy on home soil," she said.
"It's crazy to think what it would be like because it would be a dream come true, but I really believe it's reachable because that extra buzz from playing at home is going to be a big advantage.
"It has already given everyone in the Matildas extra motivation because everyone wants to be involved in a World Cup in our backyard."
