Soccer-Midfielder Ertz brings new motivation in return to U.S. team

FILE PHOTO: Jun 27, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Washington Spirit Andi Sullivan (12), left and Chicago Red Stars Julie Ertz (8) battle for the ball in the second half at Zions Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Midfielder Julie Ertz said she is driven to be a better player than she was before after being named in the United States squad for the first time since giving birth in August, with a spot at the Women's World Cup on the line.

The twice U.S. Women's Player of the Year made a surprise return to the national team for their final two friendlies, both against Ireland, before the quadrennial tournament, having not played professionally since the Tokyo Games.