The goalkeeper represented her country at this year’s tournament as New Zealand claimed a first ever World Cup victory in the competition in the opening group game defeating Norway 1-0.
The Football Ferns were ultimately knocked out of the competition at the group stages after games against the Philippines and Switzerland as the shot stopper sat down with RangersTV as she looked back on her time away.
She said: “It was fantastic, obviously we were disappointed not to progress out of the group, after starting the campaign off with a win and it put us in a pretty strong position, and not being able to capitalise on that against the Philippines and to then not get a win against Switzerland was disappointing.
“If I can put the emotion aside of the results, then the actual experience itself from start to end was phenomenal. Having a home World Cup was something we have always dreamed of and it won't come around again in a hurry so I am pretty grateful that I had that experience and they were able to create some history in New Zealand and win a game and obviously draw against Switzerland as well.”
The 32-year-old says it was an honour to be able to pull on the jersey at a home World Cup and highlighted the first game in particular as an experience to remember.
“That was a special moment, singing the anthem with your friends and family in the crowd is moments that I will treasure forever, so I am grateful to have worn the shirt for those three games and to have that experience.
“That was my favourite game, for obvious reasons, when we went in after the warm-up and the stadium was about half full. We heard it was a sellout but you don't know exactly what that means, when we came back out for the anthems we looked up and far out we thought this was actually full.
“A packed a stadium was nothing I have experienced before so it is a pretty amazing feeling to sing the anthem and all the kiwis singing it in the crowd as well.
The goalkeeper is now back amongst the Rangers squad as they prepare for their first home league fixture against Aberdeen this weekend and Esson is looking forward to the side playing in front of their supporters once again.
She added: “It is awesome to be back, I love the girls, I was sad to leave New Zealand and to be knocked out of the World Cup but I was really looking forward to seeing everyone again. Missing a part of pre-season obviously from being overseas was a bit annoying, but Jo has caught me up on most things that I missed which it is great.
“I feel like she has explained the tactics, and I've got a good understanding of what needs to happen this year, and I think the standards will be high and she'll demand a lot from us. That is what is what we need this year and I do think that will put us in a good place to hopefully win the championship.
“It will be nice to get back to Broadwood, hopefully we get a good home crowd and the fans are looking forward to having us back home again. Aberdeen will come out strong, last week they pressed well against Motherwell so they will be looking to do that against us as well, but whatever they come with we have got a game plan as well and I am sure that we can make the most of the opportunities that we have in front of goal.
“One of the things this week is for us to be relentless in front of goal and take our chances. We created a lot of chances last week and we didn't capitalise on all of them despite scoring some great goals, that is something that we are going to be ruthless with this year and I can't wait to see how many times the girls can put the ball in the back of the net.”
