Interim All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley has named his 23-person squad for the team’s two international friendlies this month against Sweden in Stockholm and Qatar in Vienna. 

The squad sees Wellington Phoenix’s Finn Surman called up for his All Whites debut following a strong showing as captain of the New Zealand U-20 side at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. 

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 after consistently good performances in the English Football League this season. 

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

Head coach Darren 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.“

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

Article added: Monday 05 June 2023