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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has admitted he “has some headaches” about his team going forward as they take on New Zealand in 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’ qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup which begins in November against Bangladesh or the Maldives in Melbourne.
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The Socceroos next face Palestine on November 21, although the match is expected to be held in Algeria pending confirmation from the AFC and FIFA.
With Wednesday’s game the last chance for many to impress Arnold before returning to their clubs ahead of the next international window, the Australian boss accepts the tough selection calls that lie ahead.
“I have headaches now with team selection, whereas I probably didn’t have them for three or four years,” Arnold said.
“We had an old team. 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 in the last six months after I re-signed.”
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Interestingly, 14 players from Australia’s 2022 World Cup squad have not been named for this window’s matches against England and New Zealand.
However, this is partly due to international withdrawals (Danny Vukovic), withdrawals of all forms (Aaron Mooy) and injuries (Riley McGree, Nathaniel Atkinson and Mat Leckie).
With the Men’s A-League kicking off this weekend, this will widen Arnold’s selection net as he lays down the law for all those aspiring to be named to the national team in the upcoming window.
“Players need to perform at club level, get match minutes and play well – there is no guarantee of playing for your nation,” Arnold said.
“This weekend, when the A-League starts, all these players will come into play.
“It’s about selecting the best 23 players who are fit by the time the window arrives.
“No one signs a contract to play for the national team – you have to earn it.”
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