Auglah and Kalac named in Joeys squad for England tour

Wanderers Academy players Ali Auglah and Oliver Kalac have been named in Australia’s U-17 Men’s National Team squad set to travel to the United Kingdom in early September to play in three important international friendlies. 

Wanderers Academy players Ali Auglah and Oliver Kalac have been named in Australia’s U-17 Men’s National Team squad set to travel to the United Kingdom in early September to play in three important international friendlies. 

The Joeys – who have been drawn in Group B for the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil alongside Ecuador, Hungary, and Nigeria – will play U-17 selections from hosts England, Korea Republic, and Brazil in England on September 6, 8, and 10 (local time) respectively.

The friendly encounters will represent crucial, high-level game time for the group who have recently completed two training camps in Canberra. Like Australia, Korea Republic and Brazil are preparing to compete at this year’s tournament, which will take place from 26 October to 17 November 2019. 

Morgan’s squad consists of 17 players currently aligned with Hyundai A-League clubs, two players contracted to Sydney United 58 in the New South Wales National Premier Leagues (NPL), and four players who are currently plying their trade abroad. 

The Joeys’ overseas-based contingent features Diego Alonso from Albacete Balompie in Spain, Tristan Hammond from Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Caleb Watts from Southampton FC in England, and attacker Noah Botic who recently joined Hoffenheim in Germany’s Bundesliga from Rockdale City Suns FC in the NSW NPL. 

“I am delighted that we have the opportunity to travel to England to play three important fixtures ahead of this year’s U-17 World Cup,” said Head Coach Trevor Morgan.

“We will commence the camp with five days of training at St George’s Park before shifting into match mode for our fixtures against England, Korea Republic, and Brazil.”

“The time together and our games will provide all the players involved with another chance to impress ahead of the final selection for the squad for Brazil, and as a unit we will be seeking to advance our principles of play and perform at a high standard against strong opponents not dissimilar to those we will face at the World Cup.”

“We appreciate the invite from the Football Association to travel to England and also recognise the work that has been done behind the scenes by many people at FFA to bring this development opportunity to life for the group,” he said. 

Australia U-17 Men’s National Team (‘Joeys’) 23-Player Squad | England Tour – September 2019