Five Victorians named in Socceroos squad to face Argentina

Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach Graham Arnold has named a youthful 23-man squad for Australia’s international friendly match against FIFA World Cup™ Champions, Argentina to be played at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, China, on Thursday 15 June.

Victoria's Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie, Ajdin Hrustic, Denis Genreau and Jordan Bos have all made the squad and will arrive in China from Friday ahead of the first training session on Saturday.

As planned, Arnold is using June’s FIFA men’s international window to present an important opportunity for some emerging national team players to demonstrate what they can produce against the world ranked #1, as the Subway Socceroos continue their preparation for January’s AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Head Coach Graham Arnold said there was “no better test” than playing the current World Champions Argentina straight after the World Cup.

“Irrespective of who we played during June; I have made no secret that this window would provide a glimpse into the future, where we were always going to reward players who have had strong seasons at club level to show what they can do on the international stage,” Arnold said.

 “With the benefit of having five friendlies before our 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign starts this November, we need to use every one of these matches to prepare as best we can, as well as having one eye on January’s Asian Cup,”

Due to injury, several players are unavailable for this window including Jason Cummings, Miloš Degenek, Aaron Mooy, Craig Goodwin and Victoria’s Aziz Behich, Jackson Irvine, and Bailey Wright.

In exciting times for Australian men’s football, all four senior and youth national teams are active during the June window, where the Subway Olyroos – featuring a hugely talented group of players – are currently competing in the prestigious Maurice Revello Tournament in France, asthey too prepare for AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024Ô qualifiers in September, where the Asian Cup doubles as qualification for the Paris 2024 OlympicsÔ.

 This Olyroos’ squad – all born between 2001 - 2004 – includes Garang and Alou Kuol along with Nishan Velupillay.

 “It’s really pleasing to see four of our men’s national teams in action this month,” Arnold expressed.

“As part of my new role, I look forward to heading across to Thailand to support the Joeys for their World Cup qualifiers, with my assistant René Meulensteen currently in France with the Olyroos before joining up with the Socceroos in China.

 “It is so critical for the future of the Socceroos that our national teams and development pathways are as strong and as connected as possible.

 Aussie DNA was on full display at the World Cup in Qatar, and I’m excited to see what this squad of players can do against the world champions, Argentina in Beijing later this month,” Arnold concluded.

Fans in Australia will be able to watch the Subway Socceroos take on Argentina live and free on Network 10 and live on Paramount+.

Match details

Date: Thursday, 15 June 2023
Venue: The Workers’ Stadium, Beijing, China
Time: 8.00pm local / 10.00pm AEST
Broadcast: Live and free on Network 10 and live on Paramount+

SUBWAY SOCCEROOS SQUAD vs ARGENTINA I BEIJING, CHINA – THURSDAY 15 JUNE