China's women's football team faces Russia tonight: testing new players for future preparations, Gu Yasha's retirement showcases the spirit of the roses

Journalist Wang Wei reports At 19:35 on June 3, the 2026 CFA China Team Wuhan Women's Football International Invitational Tournament will begin at the Wuhan Five Rings Sports Center, where China's women's team takes on the formidable Russian squad at home. This match is not only a warm-up test for the Chinese team to evaluate training outcomes and prepare for the Asian Games and World Cup, but also carries special emotional significance—the stadium will witness the retirement ceremony of veteran player Gu Yasha, marking the end of her over-a-decade-long journey with the roses, with love and dedication never fading away.

During this year's Asian Cup, Milicic led China's women's team to the semifinals, securing a spot for the 2027 Brazil Women's World Cup. To balance short-term Asian Games preparation with long-term World Cup squad building, the national team has finalized a 26-player training roster. Core players like Wang Shuang, Zhang Linyan, Wu Haiyan, and Chen Qiaozhu anchor the midfield, forward, and defensive lines, while three overseas-based returnees—Wurigumula, Wang Yanwen, and Shao Ziqin—are included. Youthfulness is the highlight of this camp, with 15 post-2000 players making up over half the squad, including nine young talents born between 2003 and 2006.

The 26-player training list features local stars from Wuhan—Wang Shuang, Yao Wei, and Wu Haiyan—leading the hometown contingent. Rising talents like Jiang Chenjing, Deng Mengye, and Yan Qi, who won the AFC Champions League, have also been selected. The core lineup from Beijing Jiancheng remains stable, while clubs such as Liaoning Shenbei Hefeng, Shanghai Shengli, and Jiangsu Nanjing have contributed excellent players. The squad features a well-balanced mix of veterans, mid-career players, and youngsters, combining experienced campaigners with emerging talents, all set to showcase a new look of the Steel Roses on home turf in Wuhan.

Speaking about the objectives of this training camp, Milicic said: "After the Asian Cup, following the national team's construction plan, I needed to bring in some new players, which is crucial for the team's long-term development. At the same time, the coaching staff also has to consider another important event this year—the Asian Games." He further explained the core criteria for evaluating newcomers: "We want to bring these young players into the national team training environment as soon as possible to see their competitive level. Then we assess which players have the ability to officially join the national team, because the intensity of international matches is still higher than that of the domestic Women's Super League."

Regarding long-term preparation, Milicic has a clear dual-track plan: "On the other hand, in the senior national team's calendar, there is next year's Brazil World Cup, which is undoubtedly at a higher level than this year's Asian Cup, so our preparation plan must also take that into account. Additionally, China's U20 women's team has also qualified for the World Cup and will compete in Poland this year, gaining valuable experience. Therefore, the coaching staff needs to do a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and we must all work together to find the optimal solution for the senior squad."

The opponent in this match, the Russian women's team, should not be underestimated. In recent years, Russia has maintained competitive form—they beat Serbia 3-0 in July last year and drew with Asian powerhouse North Korea in November, showing considerable strength. Although China and Russia have not faced each other for over two years, this match is highly valuable. Milicic commented: "Russia has a high overall level, a mature tactical system, and their physical challenges are very oppressive, which will pose a significant test for China's defense."

On the evening of June 3, during the match between China and Russia, the Wuhan Five Rings Sports Center will witness a touching moment as Gu Yasha officially bids farewell to professional football, bringing a perfect end to her over-a-decade-long national team career. From her debut at age 17 to retirement now, she has used her most passionate youth to embody the most moving perseverance and love of the Steel Roses.

Famous from a young age and chasing her dreams, Gu Yasha has etched her entire career with the mark of representing her country. Over more than ten years with the national team, she has weathered the passage of time, witnessed ups and downs, and remained steadfast on the frontline, accumulating 126 international appearances (82 starts) and scoring 14 crucial goals, carrying heavy responsibilities with grit and strength.

Over the years, Gu Yasha has always been a pillar of China's women's team in major tournaments, competing in three World Cups, two Olympics, four Asian Games, and three Asian Cups, spanning two generations of the team. Whether at the peak of glory or during troughs of struggle, she never wavered, giving her all on every top international stage, sprinting tirelessly and scoring bravely to win honor for her country and never failing to meet expectations.

On the green field, players come and go, but passion lives on. For over a decade, Gu Yasha weathered storms without retreating, accompanying China's women's team through a long journey, dedicating her youth, blood, and sincerity to her beloved football career. Her unyielding, tenacious spirit is a vivid embodiment of the Steel Roses' ethos.

Today, the jersey is gently laid down, but love never ends. Stripped of her uniform, her original heart remains, and the legend never fades. The Chinese Football Association and the Chinese women's team expressed gratitude to Gu Yasha for her decade-long dedication, unwavering commitment, and for sweating and writing glory for the team. "Now the jersey is set aside, fulfilling years of hard work on the field, living up to the nation's hopes, and honoring pure love. Thank you, Gu Yasha, for every moment you gave your all for China's women's football. Your Steel Rose power will always be present."