Socceroos coach Graham Arnold admitted he is “getting headaches” regarding his squad for the future as they take on New Zealand for the Soccer Ashes in London on Wednesday at 5:45am (AEDT).
After the clash against the All Whites, Arnold’s attention turns to the Socceroos’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign which kicks off in November against either Bangladesh or the Maldives in Melbourne.
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The Socceroos will then take on Palestine on November 21, although the match is expected to be held in Algeria pending confirmation from AFC and FIFA.
With Wednesday’s fixture the last chance for many to impress Arnold before returning to their clubs ahead of the next international window, the Aussie boss is embracing the difficult selection calls that await.
“I’m getting headaches now in selecting the team, where probably for three or four years I didn’t have that,” Arnold said.
“We had an old squad. I had to … win matches and qualify for the (2022) World Cup,” he said.
“We’re getting more and more depth (now) and that was the most important thing for me over the last six months after I re-signed.”
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Interestingly, a staggering 14 players from Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad were not named for the fixtures in this window against England and New Zealand.
However, some of it is due to international retirements (Danny Vukovic), retirements from all forms (Aaron Mooy) and injury (Riley McGree, Nathaniel Atkinson and Mat Leckie).
With the A-League Men’s set to kick off this weekend, it will broaden Arnold’s selection net as he laid down the law to all those aspiring to be named for the national team in the next window.
“Players have to be performing at club level, getting match minutes and playing well – there are no guarantees to play for your nation,” Arnold said.
“This weekend when the A-League starts, all those players will come into contention.
“It’s about picking the best 23 players in form at the time when the window comes.
“No one signs a contract to play for the national team – they have to earn it.”
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