Arsenal and United States defender Emily Fox has described the past year with the national team as a period of significant growth and transition. In a season without a major tournament, the focus has shifted toward building a foundation for the future under head coach Emma Hayes.
Fox, a mainstay at right-back, highlighted the emphasis on tactical adaptability as a key theme of the recent campaign. “It’s about understanding that opponents often change their approach against us,” she explained. “The ability to recognize those shifts during a match and communicate effectively to adjust is something we’ve worked hard on.”
The US squad has seen considerable turnover since its Olympic gold medal triumph, integrating a wave of new talent. Fox, one of the few veterans remaining from that final, welcomes the fresh energy. “There’s a real buzz with the younger players coming in,” she said. “They bring confidence, creativity, and a desire to make the most of their opportunity. It’s exciting to be a part of that evolution.”
While the team recorded several losses in what Fox termed a “transitional year,” she views those results as part of a necessary process. A recent defeat was attributed in part to a lengthy break between matches, offering a lesson in maintaining competitive sharpness and physical intensity.
Fox’s club ambitions with Arsenal remain equally high. Reflecting on last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory, she credited the arduous campaign with expanding her own limits. “Going through that entire challenging journey showed me what I was capable of,” Fox stated.
Despite a slower start this term in both European and domestic competition, the defender’s mindset is unwavering. “It’s time to turn it around and make a statement,” she asserted, signaling her determination to help Arsenal climb the table and contend for honors once again.