Very pleased with the squad! Considering it's two friendly matches far from competitive games under an interim coach on the other side of the world to where most of our guys play.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Good to see Adams, Mata, Rufer, Elliot brought into the fold, guys that have perhaps become a bit "forgotten" for a while but merit at least being in the conversation for fringe squaddies.
Hopefully Adams actually gets on the pitch this time too, given he's essentially next cab off the rank in terms of CB's for us. Was a bit disappointed he didn't see game time against Australia.
Not much of an eye to the future re the CBs. Picking both Smith (33 this month) & M Boxall (35 in August). At least one, probably both, won't be at the 2026 WC.
Though to be fair who comes in for either of them I'm not entirely sure. Boxall jnr is 31, and not getting ALM mins. Surman is with the U23s. Interesting to know if either Smith or Boxall snr would have missed out if Tuiloma was available. These China games are not must win (though Bazeley may think so as he auditions for AWs job), and gotta start blooding some younger CBs at some point.
I’d put Rufer CB. Thought he was decent when he deputised at Phoenix that time. Could be his long term future. CDM has others coming through like Stamenic who will likely usurp him there.
Might be a solid pairing of Rufer (29) and Surman (23) in 2026.
Rufer would need to play CB for the Nix (or whatever club he is at) for a season first before you'd give him a go with the AWs. But interesting idea.
Tuiloma will only be 31 by mid 2026, so he'll definitely be in the mix. But he's bit error prone. Was disappointing for AWs in those 2 big games with atmosphere against Peru & CR last year. There is certainly no top quality CB leader like a Nelsen or Reid with this team for any pressure cooker games.