The national team today named a 26-man squad for the next round of qualifiers. Fourteen are under 25 — the highest proportion of young players in recent years.
Three uncapped players were called up, all from the domestic league, two of whom have doubled their minutes on last season. The head coach told reporters the criterion was "form first, reputation nowhere".
Two veterans left out
The omission that generated most discussion was of two veterans who had long held first-choice places. The coach said the decision followed recent match data and fitness testing, and stressed the door remains open.
We need players who can run for ninety minutes and still make decisions at the end of them.— The head coach, on the first day of camp
- Squad size: 26
- Age profile: 14 players under 25
- Uncapped: three, all from the domestic league
- Camp: reporting Sunday for ten days behind closed doors
The squad reports on Sunday for ten days of closed training, including two friendlies. Technical staff say the focus will be quick transitions after a high press.
Hope there is a follow-up. These things tend to drop out of view after a few weeks.
I have seen something similar locally, and this matches what I noticed.
I have seen something similar locally, and this matches what I noticed.
Would be better with more specifics on the source of the figures, but otherwise fine.
Sent it to my family. They said the summary was fair.