New Zealand All Whites Head Coach Darren Bazeley has named his 26-man squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup – and it’s a squad stocked full of Isuzu UTE A-League talent.
Among the notable inclusions are Newcastle Jets ace Lachlan Bayliss, who has received the call-up for the showpiece event having only made his New Zealand debut in March.
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The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in the Isuzu UTE A-League, helping the Newcastle Jets clinch the Premiers Plate as well as the Australia Cup.
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Joining Bayliss in the squad are a plethora of Auckland FC players, with the Black Knights enjoying another strong season in the A-Leagues this season.
An impressive turnaround in form has seen goalkeeper Michael Woud get the nod for the squad alongside fellow shot-stoppers Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen.
Joining Woud in the squad are Auckland stars Francis de Vries, Callan Elliot, Nando Pijnaker and Jesse Randall, with the latter hoping to score the goals to propel the Black Knights into the Grand Final given they face Adelaide United on Friday night in the second leg of their semi-final.
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Meanwhile Wellington Phoenix stalwarts Tim Payne and Alex Rufer have also been named in the squad as has attacking midfielder Sarpreet Singh, despite being restricted to just two games since January due to injury.
Finally, A-Leagues legend and current Western Sydney Wanderers forward Kosta Barbarouses will also be heading to North America having been named amongst the forwards with the likes of Nottingham Forest forward Chris Wood.
The All Whites face Iran in Los Angeles in the opening group stage match before then facing both Egypt and Belgium in Vancouver.
FULL ALL WHITES SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Michael Woud
Defenders:Â Callan Elliot, Tim Payne; Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman; Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries
Midfielders: Lachlan Bayliss, Joe Bell, Matt Garbett, Eli Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Ryan Thomas
Forwards:Â Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood
