The name's Arnold, Graham Arnold. Pretty much. Stensness has the versatility and Arnold went on about how vital the 6 is for him and that's why he wants Stensness in those squads. We might see him come in instead of Wright or Degenek. From memory he didn't look too out of place Saudi away. Japan at home was a rough. I for one don't even want to entertain the idea of him getting in.

Ryan late withdrawal from Copenhagen squad with 'knee problems' 

Devlin starting. Atkinson and Rowles on the bench. 

90 for McGowan in a 2-1 win over Rangers

Volpato minutes in the Roma/Lazio derby. 53' minute substitution. 

Truly dreadful game but I thought Volpato played well. Anytime he touched or played the ball; good things happened. His playmaking was really their only form of offence and of course his pin-point perfect crosses into the box. He runs at a consistent speed throughout the whole game and it's probably why he isn't the best defender at this point, quite slow to press and odd positioning, but that comes with time, minutes and in-game situational experience. Still thought he was one of their best player in the second half at least offensively. 

Rowles got on in the 90th 

The financial incentives for Hearts to get all 3 (Rowles, Atckinson, and Devlin) on the plane would be massive. Something like 350k for each. I would be surprised if it was a reason to putting him on so late in a game, tell Arnie he'll be right for the WC

Probably a good point. I hope they're not rushing him back and risking injury. 

Same goes for Souttar but I imagine 350k is less important for Stoke. 

He will end up being an average player in the Series A (which is still awesome) and won't really be on Italies radar. Look for him to play for Australia from age24 onwards...

Some midweek action in Germany and England. Then the final big weekend. Bubblewrap time.

Langerak… Geezus this poor guy always gets jerked around.
He’s Australia’s Best keeper and we don’t include him in the squad….
What the hell is going on?

Not saying i agree with decision but Langerak did ‘quit’ NT during covid qualifying when Ryan, Vuka and Redmayne stayed committed. Although other players Jmac and Leckie have skipped games as well for weddings and babies etc and they will make squad no doubt

read Bowdens response in the other thread, pretty good points.

Jmac also refused another time cause he didnt want to isolate. Leckie too from memory

Rogic just refused flat out

I’d be in favour of dropping those guys too for the same reason. It should be the highest honour to receive a national team call-up.

The difference there is those guys missed a couple of games, whereas Langerak refused throughout an entire WCQ cycle. 

Also, dont forget that, for a young player looking to forge a career in football in Europe 1 single cap for Italian national team  adds 10-15 million Euro to his transfer value instantaneously compared to say 30 caps for the Socceroos. Totti knows this, Jose knows this, Basher knows this, the kid's father knows this...... 

All those hoping for sweet sweet justice when he doesnt make it in Italy and comes "Begging" the FA to play for the Socceroos, its time to let it go. 

Still got to get it. And noting he's refusal to play Australia, he loses that leverage to get the game.

So after all the excitement of the world cup squad Middlesbrough will be playing Blackpool tomorrow morning/tonight. 

Wonder if Kenny will have a blinder to show up Arnie for skipping him. 

Both Langerak and Rogic did leave us in a lurch when we needed them and it wasn't nice, but this is about assembling the best team for the world cup and they're both available right now. It would be fair enough to leave them out on principle if we had other players of similar quality in their positions, but shafting Langerak for geriatric Vukovic and klutzy Redmayne is nothing short of irresponsible. Rogic is slightly less clear cut because both McGree and Hrustic are at least decent, but it's still an unnecessary risk to leave him out. He would have offered some much needed creativity at least. 

Dougall plays well generally but may lift in this one.

Metcalfe and Irvine starting next to each other. 

Souttar back starting

Awesome. 

Kenny vs Riley 

Shame Kayo doesn't play all the Championship matches :( McGree starting for Boro

Hell yeah. Fantastic news.

Harry Souttar vs. Luton
100% Ground Duels Won (3/3)
2/3 Tackles Won
   6/7 Aerial Duels Won
Clearances
   Passes into the Final Third

Great to see Harry
83 minutes for McGree, 3-0 win. 90 for Dougall.
Bouzanis came on in the 32nd minute

Literally the best news ever. Start the lad against France.