Caltex Socceroos squad named for England friendly

Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou has named a 23-player squad for upcoming international friendly match against England on Friday 27 May at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England.

Postecoglou has made 9 changes to the squad that defeated Tajikistan and Jordan in March with Milos Degenek, Brad Inman, Jamie Maclaren and Stefan Mauk receiving their first ever call-up for the Caltex Socceroos.

Following an outstanding Hyundai A-League season with Adelaide United, Craig Goodwin has also been included having last played for the Caltex Socceroos at the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup.

Craig Goodwin.

The selection process has been a challenging one for Postecoglou given the timing.

“Whilst it is an exciting fixture for us, it falls outside the FIFA window which means some boys, unfortunately, won’t be available for it,” Postecoglou said.

"That includes all the boys playing in Asia and also Jason Geria who is playing for Melbourne Victory in the AFC Champions League, so we’ve taken all that into account.

“We have had to cast the net far and wide again and at the same time I think we have come up with a squad that will be really competitive on the day.

“More importantly for me, it gives me a chance to see some further growth in some players playing against the best possible opposition.

“Due to this unique set of circumstances, we will name another squad next week for the upcoming matches against Greece where we will consider all eligible players.

Focussing on the 27 May match, Postecoglou was looking forward to the challenge.

“As an Australian, it is always a special event when we face England in any sport, probably more so with football.

The Socceroos will face England in a May friendly at the Stadium of Light.

“England is obviously a quality team and will be good challenge for us especially away from home.”

“I think it is constantly important that we test ourselves against the best and always against different types of opposition.

“Having come off the back of the first stage of qualifying against Asian opposition, it will be good to face up to something different and see how we are tracking with our progression.

“Ultimately we want to qualify for a World Cup, but we also want to know our game style and game plan will stand up against the very best,” concluded Postecoglou.

The Caltex Socceroos match against England will be broadcast exclusively LIVE on FOX SPORTS.

Match Details

England v Caltex Socceroos

Friday 27 May 2016

Stadium of Light, Sunderland

7.45pm Kick off (4.45am AEST)

Tickets for the England v Caltex Socceroos in Sunderland, England are available at www.socceroos.com.au/tickets

Caltex Socceroos squad for International Friendly Match v England

 Name

Club, Country

A International Caps (Goals)

Aziz BEHICH

Bursaspor, Turkey

11 (2)

Milos DEGENEK

TSV 1860 München, Germany

-

Adam FEDERICI (gk)

AFC Bournemouth, England

15 (0)

Craig GOODWIN

Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands

2 (0)

Chris IKONOMIDIS

US Salernitana 1919, Italy

3 (0)

Jackson IRVINE

Ross County, Scotland

2 (0)

Brad INMAN

Crewe Alexandra FC, England

-

Mile JEDINAK

Crystal Palace F.C, England

62 (12)

Tomi JURIC

Roda JC Kerkrade, Netherlands

15 (2)

Robbie KRUSE

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Germany

40 (4)

Mitchell LANGERAK (gk)

VfB Stuttgart, Germany

6 (0)

Massimo LUONGO

Queens Park Rangers FC, England

19 (4)

Jamie MACLAREN

Brisbane Roar FC, Australia

-

Stefan MAUK

Adelaide United FC, Australia

-

Matthew McKAY

Brisbane Roar FC, Australia

58 (2)

Mark MILLIGAN

Baniyas FC, UAE

46 (5)

Aaron MOOY

Melbourne City FC, Australia

13 (5)

Josh RISDON

Perth Glory, Australia

2 (0)

Tom ROGIC

Celtic FC, Scotland

15 (5)

Mathew RYAN (gk)

Valencia CF, Spain

23 (0)

Brad SMITH

Liverpool FC, England

6 (0)

Bailey WRIGHT

Preston North End FC, England

10 (1)

Alex WILKINSON

Melbourne City FC, Australia

16 (0)