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2026 World Cup Squad

Beach is just another for the next cycle. Very good prospect but Gauci survived Saitama and has more runs on the guard.

As fans we enjoy all the novelties. Keepers 5-8 are? AMB, Thomas, Glover? Haven't even checked stocks to be honest.
 
Fox sports chose what you'd think is the most logical based on Popovic but it's weird how they dismissed Izzo and battling with Beach for third spot. They really have no idea about many players and their situation.
 
I don't think we can expect Popovic to change much now. Balard and Devlin are simply ousted and he's probably toying with dropping Robertson too.

Who I think Popovic will pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Beach

Italiano, Karacic, Geria, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Trewin, Bos, Behich

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Okon, Yazbek

McGree, Irankunda, Duke, Toure, Velupillay, Boyle, Mabil

Who I would pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Gauci

Italiano, Souttar, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Bos, Elder

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Robertson, Yazbek, Balard, Devlin

McGree, Irankunda, Toure, Velupillay, Mabil, Iredale, Arena

See what happens when the deadwood is cut? It's possible to pick players who are in form and can actually do something with the ball. I get there are many midfielders and Trewin could cover 2 of them as with Geria but I think this is the area where the games will be won.
 
JS96 said:
We have the bargaining chip. Time to make Arena an offer. I think Italy know they've got lots to rebuild on and he knows he'll be part of that.
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I think we will definitely offer him a spot to at least the training camp extended 30-man squad. Doubt he'll accept that. I personally would pick him for sure. He would offer similar output in a different way to Juric and is also 12 years younger, and his pick means infinitely more.
 
Bbouy said:
I think we will definitely offer him a spot to at least the training camp extended 30-man squad. Doubt he'll accept that. I personally would pick him for sure. He would offer similar output in a different way to Juric and is also 12 years younger, and his pick means infinitely more.
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It's interesting as Italy are desperate for any talent but even then would get very pissed off if Arena came to our camp and didn't get selected.
 
JS96 said:
I don't think we can expect Popovic to change much now. Balard and Devlin are simply ousted and he's probably toying with dropping Robertson too.

Who I think Popovic will pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Beach

Italiano, Karacic, Geria, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Trewin, Bos, Behich

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Okon, Yazbek

McGree, Irankunda, Duke, Toure, Velupillay, Boyle, Mabil

Who I would pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Gauci

Italiano, Souttar, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Bos, Elder

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Robertson, Yazbek, Balard, Devlin

McGree, Irankunda, Toure, Velupillay, Mabil, Iredale, Arena

See what happens when the deadwood is cut? It's possible to pick players who are in form and can actually do something with the ball. I get there are many midfielders and Trewin could cover 2 of them as with Geria but I think this is the area where the games will be won.
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Why do you think Popovic wouldn't pick Souttar if he is fit?
 
JS96 said:
I think Popovic might get cold feat and prefer someone who's played a bit more. It depends how much Souttar plays before the tournament.
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I think he goes to the training camp and they make the call there. Popovic will want him and he will likely be first in camp as he is unlikely to play at club level this season. Big risk - but also a big reward. in reality I'd punt on Harry over Geria
 
JS96 said:
Fox sports chose what you'd think is the most logical based on Popovic but it's weird how they dismissed Izzo and battling with Beach for third spot. They really have no idea about many players and their situation.
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I feel like the Fox Sports pundits have been superseded by a new, younger gen of pundits on 10/Paramount who are more modest, measured and circumspect.
 
Alex M said:
Why do you think Popovic wouldn't pick Souttar if he is fit?
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I don't think Souttar has played enough football in the last few years. He was Arnie's favourite, but plenty of CBs have come in and done a good job in his absence in the Popa tenure.

I don't think Popa will select Souttar.
 
JS96 said:
I don't think we can expect Popovic to change much now. Balard and Devlin are simply ousted and he's probably toying with dropping Robertson too.

Who I think Popovic will pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Beach

Italiano, Karacic, Geria, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Trewin, Bos, Behich

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Okon, Yazbek

McGree, Irankunda, Duke, Toure, Velupillay, Boyle, Mabil

Who I would pick:

Ryan, Izzo, Gauci

Italiano, Souttar, Circati, Degenek, Burgess Herrington, Bos, Elder

Irvine, O'Neill, Metcalfe, Hrustic, Robertson, Yazbek, Balard, Devlin

McGree, Irankunda, Toure, Velupillay, Mabil, Iredale, Arena

See what happens when the deadwood is cut? It's possible to pick players who are in form and can actually do something with the ball. I get there are many midfielders and Trewin could cover 2 of them as with Geria but I think this is the area where the games will be won.
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I think Popa knew what Balard can do, and rested him.

IMO he has done well as a DM in the matches he has played for the Roos. Popa also didn't call up Irvine for the two friendlies on home soil.
 
I don’t see how Souttar can be picked, he hasn’t played for over a year, he was out of favour at Leicester (hence why he was sent out on loan to Sheffield), and the championship season is almost over.

Given the nature of his injury (and the fact that he’s a big guy) one would think he might be even slower than before. But I suppose he managed to make it to the last World Cup in similar circumstances.
 
whats the deal with duke?
is he injured?
i know a lot of people arent big fans, but if hes fit and well and considering the recent dearth of strikers, why didnt he get the call for recent window?
edit- just read he scored a double in the aliga
 
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samb said:
I don’t see how Souttar can be picked, he hasn’t played for over a year, he was out of favour at Leicester (hence why he was sent out on loan to Sheffield), and the championship season is almost over.

Given the nature of his injury (and the fact that he’s a big guy) one would think he might be even slower than before. But I suppose he managed to make it to the last World Cup in similar circumstances.
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He had amazing performances for us last world cup after coming back from ACL
 
JS96 said:
I think Popovic might get cold feat and prefer someone who's played a bit more. It depends how much Souttar plays before the tournament.
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Based off of Popovic's recent sentiments in his press-conferences, Souttar will be first on the plane. As others have said he was our best player by far last World Cup and had barely played as well.



Souttar is back playing and training. Expected to get U21 minutes and possibly first-team game-time. On top of some minutes against Mexico and another friendly, I believe that's enough for him to be secure in his spot.
 
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