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2026 World Cup Squad

Mr Cleansheets said:
Popa speaks of Degenek in the highest terms. I reckon he's a shoe in to go - even though I don't really rate him myself but he has had some decent games for the NT during Popa's reign.
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Yeah when I talk about who I think will make it I always seek to forget who picks the squads.
 
With so many players out injured we will be lucky to put out a decent squad cum world cup.
 
JS96 said:
Now that our hand has been forced it may even be prudent to start Behich at right back and then ensure Bos and Elder at left back. In rate the others but if there's an insistence on calling up Behich he should on be replacing Miller in a squad total rather than replacing Bos and Elder.
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No. Absolutely no. Pick Talbot or Atkinson but not Behich and for that matter JBos for the right flank. Pick JS96 if we have to but Behich and JBos belong at LB.
 
I agree moving Behich to the right when I can't ever recall him playing on that side seems nonsensical. I'm happy for him to be the second in line to Bos at best at the WC.

We have plenty of other options who actually play on the right so I'll take the most in form and fit of them. Crucial that whoever it is gives us a fair bit going forward and I think Italiano has been the most impressive in recent camps.

I've always rated Strain but he hasn't been first choice at Dundee this season even when he has been fit.
 
onedaywinners... said:
I agree moving Behich to the right when I can't ever recall him playing on that side seems nonsensical. I'm happy for him to be the second in line to Bos at best at the WC.

We have plenty of other options who actually play on the right so I'll take the most in form and fit of them. Crucial that whoever it is gives us a fair bit going forward and I think Italiano has been the most impressive in recent camps.

I've always rated Strain but he hasn't been first choice at Dundee this season even when he has been fit.
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Good thing it’s a squad of 26 now and not 23
 
onedaywinners... said:
I agree moving Behich to the right when I can't ever recall him playing on that side seems nonsensical. I'm happy for him to be the second in line to Bos at best at the WC.

We have plenty of other options who actually play on the right so I'll take the most in form and fit of them. Crucial that whoever it is gives us a fair bit going forward and I think Italiano has been the most impressive in recent camps.

I've always rated Strain but he hasn't been first choice at Dundee this season even when he has been fit.
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Strain started on the weekend. Hopefully has turned that corner.
 
WhatAmIWatching said:
No. Absolutely no. Pick Talbot or Atkinson but not Behich and for that matter JBos for the right flank. Pick JS96 if we have to but Behich and JBos belong at LB.
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I'd certainly prefer Behich at right back over Talbot. Elder has to go. He's in career best form.

These are pros who can come in and do a job. I know Geria had centre back experience but the way he came in and played a no nonsense role was great.

I think Atkinson can stake a claim as he has also adapted to midfield and is at home in all right back roles. Two tournaments behind him as well.
 
Alex M said:
If you have to play someone out of position I would much rather an old head than a young head. Old heads have the experience to help them adjust a lot quicker.
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In the crazy world of Popovic anything is possible. I wouldn't put it past Popovic approaching Behich with the offer given how good Bos and Elder are. It solves a few issues about omitting an experienced player and having steady cover. At the same time it absolutely sucks for other right backs.
 
Degenek and Geria are going. Rowles has the weakest case I think by an inch. Really tough competition.

The Miller omission opens up an opportunity where I'd actually just have Geria and then Metcalfe on standby allowing for Robertson to play alongside McGree.

Gutted for everyone but if Miller and Goodwin are out it's a simple cross off the list and then a shuffle with other assets.

How I wish we played a back 4 though as the back 5 kept Miller more relevant than he should've been and stifled our use of those further up.

In turn it has provided a safety need to the need to include guys like Geria, Degenek and Rowles. That third CB position has Popovic always stacking more depth.
 
Should just set up that Irankunda is listed as RWB on paper but then we have a fit Balard or Devlin rushing along for coverage.

This back 3 just selfishly takes a spot we need further up. I get we need to defend but our deficit by not having Robertson or someone else further up won't see us create much compared to extra insurance having Degenek, Geria or Rowles there.

If anything, our back 5 could be shifted in a match with Circati roaming that bit forward. He has a killer passing game.
 
JS96 said:
Degenek and Geria are going. Rowles has the weakest case I think by an inch. Really tough competition.

The Miller omission opens up an opportunity where I'd actually just have Geria and then Metcalfe on standby allowing for Robertson to play alongside McGree.

Gutted for everyone but if Miller and Goodwin are out it's a simple cross off the list and then a shuffle with other assets.

How I wish we played a back 4 though as the back 5 kept Miller more relevant than he should've been and stifled our use of those further up.

In turn it has provided a safety need to the need to include guys like Geria, Degenek and Rowles. That third CB position has Popovic always stacking more depth.
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I don't like Geria at RWB. It's not a natural role for him. RCB great. RWB is just too important for our width imo and he doen't have the offensive qualities.

I see it as super open now at RWB. I want to see Metcalfe but its probably fools hope. Strain, Italiano, Karacic, and Silvera all have claims. Overy has been in the squad too. Bennie is my smokey but I'm a bigger fan than most.

It's harder to pick who with Metcalfe and Italianos injuries, Strain too until recently, Silvera isn't playing. I think form and fitness will dictate selection here.
 
Quicky said:
I don't like Geria at RWB. It's not a natural role for him. RCB great. RWB is just too important for our width imo and he doen't have the offensive qualities.

I see it as super open now at RWB. I want to see Metcalfe but its probably fools hope. Strain, Italiano, Karacic, and Silvera all have claims. Overy has been in the squad too. Bennie is my smokey but I'm a bigger fan than most.

It's harder to pick who with Metcalfe and Italianos injuries, Strain too until recently, Silvera isn't playing. I think form and fitness will dictate selection here.
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I agree and I think we need to use the better options. I'm fine with Geria's passing game but it's the older legs for that role that see him better inwards.

Metcalfe just needs to start there and he can glide diagonally across the pitch and Balard can hang back in that area he leaves free. Metcalfe is like a queen in chess.

Bennie and Overy are technically sound. Next cycle I guess but I'd try and squeeze Bennie into the world cup squad.
 
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