All Whites missing key players for games in Europe

Finn Surman
Photo: photosport

The All Whites are missing a couple of key players for this month’s friendlies against Sweden and Qatar in Europe.

Captain Chris Wood, who suffered a thigh injury in March is still recovering from that, while Sarpreet Singh and Ryan Thomas are also not fully fit.

Interim head coach Darren Bazeley says Wood is on track to be fit for Notingham Forest’s Premier League pre-season.

He says Singh and Thomas are both in a position where they need to get their bodies back to their best.

Bazeley has included debutant Phoenix defender Finn Surman in his 23-player squad for the games against Sweden and Qatar in Europe.

Surman led New Zealand at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

Bill Tuiloma and Ben Waine are both back in the squad after missing the March games against China because of club commitments.

Francis de Vries returns to the side for the first time in a year after recovering from a long-term injury.

Goalkeepers Max Crocombe and Nik Tzanev are recalled for the first time since 2018 and 2021 respectively, with both playing in the English Football League this season.

Bazeley is looking forward to facing two strong teams to test the side leading into the next FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle.

“After two good results against China at home, these games represent a real test but that is what this team needs right now to build the foundations leading into the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Sweden are 22 in the world, playing at home in front of a large crowd, so that will be a big but really good challenge for our players.

“Qatar are another top side ranked significantly higher than us with lots of experience gained as hosts of the last FIFA World Cup.

“I’m pleased with the squad we have assembled and great to be bringing back in some players who haven’t been part of then environment for a while in Francis, Max and Nik.

“It is always special to call someone up for their debut so I want to congratulate Finn Surman who was brilliant at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, both on and off the pitch, and who I have every confidence will be able to step up to the senior All Whites environment.”

The full squad is:

Joe Bell (13 caps) Brondby FC, Denmark

Michael Boxall (42 caps) Minnesota United, USA

Liberato Cacace (14 caps) Empoli FC, Italy

Max Crocombe (2 caps) Grimsby Town, England

Francis De Vries (6 caps) Eastern Suburbs, New Zealand

Callan Elliot (2 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Matthew Garbett (14 caps) NAC Breda, Netherlands

Alex Greive (9 caps) St Mirren, Scotland

Eli Just (15 caps) AC Horsens, Denmark

Clayton Lewis (23 caps) Macarthur FC, Australia

Max Mata (3 caps) Sligo Rovers, Ireland

Callum McCowatt (11 caps) FC Helsingor, Denmark

Tim Payne (32 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Nando Pijnaker (11 caps) Sligo Rovers, Ireland

Marco Rojas (44 caps) Colo Colo, Chile

Alex Rufer (8 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Oli Sail (8 caps) Perth Glory, Australia

Tommy Smith (50 caps) Colchester United, England

Marko Stamenic (13 caps) FC Copenhagen, Denmark

Finn Surman* (0 caps) Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand

Bill Tuiloma (36 caps) Charlotte FC, USA

Nik Tzanev (1 cap) AFC Wimbledon, England

Ben Waine (7 caps) Plymouth Argyle, England

*Debut All Whites squad

UPCOMING FIXTURES:

Friday 16 June 2023 (17 June 2023 NZT)

Friends Arena, Stockholm

7pm (5am NZT) – All Whites vs Sweden

Monday 19 June 2023 (20 June 2023 NZT)

Generali Arena, Vienna

6pm (4am NZT) – All Whites vs Qatar