Hayes is understood to view the Spain fixtures as an opportunity to expand the player pool, even if the less experienced call-ups are not expected to start. Howell and Del Fava now have a chance to absorb the demands of an elite camp and show they can contribute beyond the established core.
The approach reflects a willingness to develop depth before the next major tournament. The United States will need competition for places, reliable cover and players comfortable stepping into international football when injuries disrupt the plan.
Hayes’s programme extends beyond formations and match preparation. Her “Female 360” approach reportedly focuses on nutrition, hydration, health monitoring and menstrual-cycle tracking, with individual support at its centre.
“You don't make everything about data, data, data,” Hayes explained. “You ask. You see. You build that connection.”
That player-first philosophy is rooted in lessons from her time at Chelsea, where she has spoken about recognising how small, often overlooked details can affect performance. For Hayes, the objective is not simply to produce another successful squad, but to improve the environment for women and girls across the sport.
Spain will offer a demanding examination of both the United States’ established stars and its emerging options. The world champions’ technical quality should expose any weakness, while the camp will reveal whether Hayes’s broader selection policy is translating into competitive readiness.
The next storyline is clear: can Howell, Del Fava and the wider group turn opportunity into genuine pressure on the regular starters before the next international window?