Schmid picks his first New Zealand squad
The new All Whites boss Fritz Schmid has announced his very first squad to face Canada. And it’s a very experimental side.
The new All Whites boss Fritz Schmid has announced his very first squad to face Canada. And it’s a very experimental side.
After being appointed as head coach last month Fritz Schmid has had a busy first month as All Whites coach as he has prepared for the first match against Canada during a training camp in Spain.
The All Whites will face Canada on 24th March.
READ MORE: All Whites announce new head coach
The squad is, not that surprising, an experimental one as Schmid has left out big names such as Chris Wood, Stefan Marinovic, Bill Tuiloma, Kosta Barbarouses, and Tommy Smith. Winston Reid is also unavailable due to injury. While it may seem suprising to the casual observer this is clearly a plan Schmid has to see as many players as possible and get a lay of the land with those he may not be as sure of.
See the full squad below.
In the absence of Marinovic and fellow MLS goalie Jake Gleeson, Schmid has called up three uncapped goalkeepers in Max Crocombe, Michael Woud and Nik Tzanev who all ply their trade in England. Other uncapped players in the squad are Michael Boxall’s brother Nikko who plays for Viborg in Denmark, Bolton’s Adam Mitchell, Wellington Phoenix’s Sarpreet Singh, Niko Kirwan from AC Mestre in Italy and perhaps most surprising, Andre De Jongh who just transferred from Eastern Suburbs in New Zealand to Hakoah Sydney in Australia and has been doing well in the NZ Premiership.
Schmid has this to say to the NZF website about the squad:
“The squad offers a good mix of experienced players, new players and some who are returning to the environment. It is confirming our intention to take a good look at all of the potential All Whites because that will be the task in the next months. Not only here in the Spain camp but throughout the next few windows.”
All Whites squad to face Canada:
Goalkeepers:
Max Crocombe
Michael Woud
Nik Tzanev
Defenders:
Michael Boxall
Nikko Boxall
Storm Roux
Adam Mitchell
Sam Brotherton
Tom Doyle
Dane Ingham
Themis Tzimopoulos
Midfielders:
Michael McGlinchey
Matt Ridenton
Ryan Thomas
Sarpreet Singh
Tim Payne
Niko Kirwan
Cam Howieson
Clayton Lewis
Alex Rufer
Forwards:
Myer Bevan
Jeremy Brockie
Andre De Jong
Marco Rojas
Standby:
Monty Patterson
Jesse Edge
Justin Gulley
Jai Ingham
Te Atawhai Hudson Wihongi
