Van Marwijk’s final 23-player selection features three players from the A-League – Daniel Arzani, Dimitri Petratos, and Josh Risdon – as well as two players who have now gained selection for Australia in four consecutive FIFA World Cup squads – Tim Cahill and Mark Milligan (pictured below).
Over the past fortnight 27 players demonstrated their commitment to the Australian national football team by participating in an intense training camp in Antalya, Turkey.
This work culminated in a solid 4-0 international friendly win over Czech Republic in St. Polten, Austria on Friday.
“I have been very pleased with the effort and application of all of the players during our time in Turkey, and in Austria” said van Marwijk. “Every step of the selection process has been difficult because the players have all given everything to make the final selection.”
“However considering many factors, we have now settled on our final squad for Russia. I believe this group of players can do Australia proud at the world’s biggest football tournament if we continue to work collectively and intensively over the next two weeks and into the competition,” he said.
Australia’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is evenly spread, and features three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven attackers. Many players also possess the versatility to slot into a range of roles if required.
From the 27 players involved in the Turkey camp and Czech Republic friendly, Fran Karacic, Josh Brillante, James Troisi and Nikita Rukavytsya missed out on the final squad.
Australia Squad
Goalkeepers; Mat Ryan, Danny Vukovic, Brad Jones.
Defenders: Trent Sainsbury, Milos Degenek, Matt Jurman, Mark Milligan, Josh Risdon, Aziz Behich, James Meredith.
Midfielders: Mile Jedinak, Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo, Jackson Irvine, Tomi Rogic, Dimitri Petratos, Mathew Leckie, Daniel Arzani.
Forwards: Tim Cahill, Tomi Juric, Andrew Nabbout, Jamie Maclaren, Robbie Kruse.
Source: www.socceroos.com.au
