Socceroos vs Ecuador squad: Australia team named as Man City youngster called up for friendly fixtures

The Socceroos will take to the pitch for the first time since the 2022 World Cup when they host Ecuador in two friendlies on March 24 and 28. 

Both fixtures will be played in Australia with coach Graham Arnold seizing the chance to name four uncapped players in his 26-man squad. 

The inclusion of 19-year-old Manchester City midfielder Alexander Robertson is particularly significant after the teenager had previously represented England at youth level. 

"It’s great that the kid, I do believe, is aligning himself with Australia," Arnold said of Robertson, who was also eligible to play for Scotland and Peru at international level. 

"I’m pretty sure once he puts that Socceroos shirt on and feels the emblem on his heart, there’s only one nation he will play for.”

MORE: Socceroos, Matildas to both play England in blockbuster fixtures

Other uncapped players in the squad include A-League Men trio Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill and Joe Gauci, while 17-year-old attacker Nestory Irankunda has been named as a train-on player. 

Socceroos regulars Martin Boyle, Ajdin Hrustic, Jamie Maclaren, and Mathew Leckie have all been ruled out of the Ecuador matches through injury. 

Of the 26 players named to face Ecuador, 20 represented Australia at the latest World Cup with Brandon Borrello and Connor Metcalfe among other fresh faces. 

"While these two matches against Ecuador are an occasion for the players and fans to celebrate the achievements of the team in Qatar, we have also commenced preparations for the next FIFA World Cup cycle, which includes having a blank piece of paper mentality when it comes to player selection, where the 26 named for this window will get the first chance to press their claim for future honours," Arnold said. 

Meet @alexrobertson03. 👋

Following his first #Socceroos call-up, we caught up with the @ManCity youngster and his father @markrobbo10, who is no stranger to pulling on the green and gold... 💚💛

Stay tuned for the full interview!#AUSvECU 🎟 - https://t.co/C2lT1wcXEe pic.twitter.com/ktYbKUCSu1

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 13, 2023

Socceroos squad vs Ecuador

Harry Souttar has departed Socceroos camp after picking up a minor injury in the first Ecuador friendly. 

*Included initially as a train-on player

**Ryan Strain replaced Aaron Mooy in the squad after the latter was withdrawn through injury on March 20

Getty Images

Socceroos vs Ecuador date, time and how to watch

Match 1

*The game will be shown on Channel 10 in Sydney and Melbourne, but on 10 Bold in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth

MORE: Souttar shatters Australian record in Premier League move

Match 2