Solheim Cup: Georgia Hall handed European wildcard spot to face United States in Virginia

The qualification process concluded after last week’s Women’s Open and Hall narrowly missed out – finishing joint 22nd when a top-20 placing would have seen her book her spot.

So it was no surprise to see her selected and the inclusion of 37-year-old Nordqvist and Pedersen was also expected, with Pettersen stacking her team with experienced players to combat being “underdogs as always in the US”.

And while she accepted that Hall and Nordqvist “probably haven’t played their best golf this past year” she has backed them to find it over the next couple of weeks as Europe look to win an away match for just the third time.

“They’ve done it before and know what it takes. I’m confident the atmosphere and surroundings will help them rise to the occasion,” said Pettersen.

“The 12 players we have complement each other. I want them all to have each other’s back and be united because that’s the only way we can get this job done.

“It doesn’t help if we have one superstar because we need all 12 players to fire on all cylinders.”

Nordqvist will “take on a big sister role” in her ninth appearance in the biennial contest.

“She is one of my vice-captains but she wanted to play and it was hard not to pick her,” added Pettersen. “She has the experience to know where her game needs to be and the players are happy to have her on board.”

On the inclusion of Pedersen for her fourth appearance, Pettersen said: “Emily is a player that lives and dies for the Solheim Cup.

“She is so feisty and in matchplay format is definitely one you want on your side.”

The addition of Valenzuela means Europe will have two debutants as they look to keep hold of the trophy that they regained in 2019 for a record fourth time.

Valenzuela narrowly missed out on last year’s team and Pettersen says that gave her a “motivational kick”, adding that her game is “so good I can pair her with literally anyone and she will complement them”.

Henseleit is the other after a stellar season which has culminated in her winning the silver medal at the Paris Olympics and finishing runner-up at the recent Scottish Open, which booked her spot on the team.

“She has confidence and belief and belongs there,” said Pettersen. “She is a rookie but perhaps our best player on current form.

“It’s fun to have some fresh young blood coming in to mix up the atmosphere.”