England based footballers Winston Reid and Chris Wood headline the 23-man All Whites squad for their upcoming international friendlies with Mexico and the United States.
West Ham defender Winston Reid. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
West Ham defender Winston Reid will captain the side, while striker Chris Wood, who plays for English Championship (second tier) side Leeds, will lead the New Zealand attack.
The Wellington Phoenix defender Andrew Durante returns to the squad after taking an indefinite break from international duties last year.
Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante. Photo: Photosport
The All Whites, the Oceania Nations Cup champions will play friendlies against World No.14 Mexico and the World No.26 Unites States on October 8 and 11 respectively as they begin their preparation for qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Coach Anthony Hudson said the aim of the tour is to bring the strongest team back together and build the All Whites' preparation for the World Cup qualifiers.
"We have missed a number of players for a long time now so it is great to have our captain back and some of the other names we have been missing," said Hudson.
"We have a strong squad barring one or two injuries and we are pleased to get them back together for two very good games."
Hudson said skipper Reid could not wait to pull on the white shirt as the team look for the ideal preparation ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Winston Reid in action for the All Whites. Photo: Photosport
"Winston is excited," he said. "He can't wait to get back in with the team. He was in touch with me ahead of my trip to the UK and has been in contact with me regularly to see how the team is developing. We can't wait for him to be back and likewise he can't wait for this tour."
Hudson was looking forward to getting Wood back into camp who will hope to continue his sparkling form for Leeds on the international stage.
Chris Wood on All Whites duty Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"Woodsy has been superb for Leeds," said Hudson. "He is a natural leader in this group and he is looking forward to the opportunity to test himself against world-class opposition."
Andrew Durante's inclusion in the squad comes a year after he announced he was taking a break from the All Whites.
Hudson said he was delighted to welcome the Phoenix captain back into the fold.
"Dura's a top player, an experienced man and he's good character," he said.
"I've said in the past before when he made his decision the door would always be open and [I'm] really pleased he's coming back. He's going to add to the squad and I'm excited to work with him."
Hudson said the results of these two international friendlies are important but the bigger picture is being ready for the OFC Stage Three Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup which begin in November.
"That is exactly what friendlies are for - they are there for us to be ready for the qualifiers and that is the most important thing for this team, that we win our qualifiers," said Hudson.
"This is a great window to help us prepare for next November and the Confederations Cup. There is one thing on our mind and that is to make sure we are strong in November and get the job done."
All Whites squad for the Tour of USA
Goalkeepers
Stefan Marinovic (SpVgg Unterhaching, Germany) 8, 0
Tamati Williams (RKC Waalwijk, Netherlands) 1, 0
Jake Gleeson (Portland Timbers FC, USA) 8, 0
Defenders
Andrew Durante (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) 9, 0
Sam Brotherton (Wisconsin University, USA) 6, 0
Michael Boxall (SuperSport Utd, South Africa) 17, 0
Kip Colvey (San Jose Earthquakes FC, USA) 4, 0
Themi Tzimopoulos (PAS Giannina FC, Greece) 6, 1
Winston Reid © (West Ham Utd FC, England) 19, 1
Declan Wynne (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Canada) 3, 0
Liam Graham (Chesterfield FC, England) 0, 0
Midfielders
Clayton Lewis (Auckland City FC, New Zealand) 3, 0
Michael McGlinchey (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) 38, 4
Matt Ridenton (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) 2, 0
Te Atawhai Wihongi (Auckland City FC, New Zealand) 3, 0
Henry Cameron (Blackpool FC, England) 1, 0
Moses Dyer (Eastern Suburbs AFC, New Zealand) 4, 0
Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle, Netherlands) 5, 0
Forwards
Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand) 33, 3
Chris Wood (Leeds Utd, England) 42, 18
Monty Patterson (Ipswich Town FC, England) 5, 0
Marco Rojas (Melbourne Victory FC, Australia) 26, 1
Rory Fallon (Truro City FC, England) 23, 6
-RNZ
