New Zealand announce squad for FIFA Series against Finland & Chile; Chris Wood unavailable
The All Whites will face Finland and Chile in the March international break.
After being selected for the New Zealand national football team for the forthcoming FIFA Series at Auckland’s Eden Park, Newcastle Jets midfielder Lachlan Bayliss is expected to make his senior international debut.
Bayliss (23) had previously been chosen for New Zealand at the U-23 level. Head coach Darren Bazeley has designated him as the only new member for March.
After Oli Sail, Michael Woud’s Auckland FC teammate, had a long-term injury, Bazeley called up goalkeeper Woud to the national team.
Regular internationals Michael Boxall, Liberato Cacace, Matt Garbett, Nando Pijnaker, Sarpreet Singh, and captain Chris Wood are all absent due to injury. All of them intend to return to action before the June FIFA World Cup.
As part of the inaugural FIFA Series, which will take place in New Zealand, the All Whites will play Finland and Chile. The competition’s goal is to bring four rival countries together to play significant international matches against other elite teams.
New Zealand squad for FIFA series against Finland & Chile
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe (Millwall), Alex Paulsen (Lechia Gdańsk) (on loan from AFC Bournemouth), Michael Woud (Auckland FC)
Defenders: Tyler Bindon (Sheffield United) (on loan from Nottingham Forest), Francis de Vries (Auckland FC), Callan Elliot (Auckland FC), McGarry (Brisbane Roar), Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix), Finn Surman (Portland Timbers), Bill Tuiloma (Wellington Phoenix)
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss (Newcastle Jets), Joe Bell (Viking FK), Andre de Jong (Orlando Pirates), Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF), Ben Old (AS Saint-Étienne), Jesse Randall (Auckland FC), Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix), Marko Stamenić (Swansea City), Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle),
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Eli Just (Motherwell), Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC), Ben Waine (Port Vale)
Where will the FIFA series be played?
It will be played in Auckland’s Eden Park.
Who are New Zealand facing?
Finland and Chile.
When will they face both of them?
They will play Finland on 27th March and Chile on 30th.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.