Recent Sydney FC acquisition Alex Wilkinson has been called up to the Caltex Socceroos squad to face England at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Friday 27 May.
Wilkinson was listed by Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou in a 23-player squad for upcoming international friendly, returning as a member of the squad that defeated Tajikistan and Jordan in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in March.
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. 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.” Postecoglou said.
“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 which 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.
“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)
Caltex Socceroos squad for International Friendly Match v England
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 (0)
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 – Sydney FC, Australia – 16 (0)
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