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Sport Nation
Find your frequency hereStar midfielder Thomas returns to boost All Whites for Soccer Ashes
Sport Nation • August 19th, 2025 8:49 am
Ryan Thomas | Photo: Photosport
The All Whites squad to face Australia in the upcoming Soccer Ashes against Australia has been named, and it features one very welcome comeback.
After a self-imposed hiatus to recover from various injuries, midfielder Ryan Thomas is back in the fold for the first time since 2019 as part of Darren Bazeley's 23-strong group for next month's games in Auckland and Canberra.
The Netherlands-based 30-year-old provides a huge boost for captain Chris Wood's side as they build towards next year's FIFA World Cup.
In total, there are six changes to the squad which beat Ivory Coast and lost to Ukraine in their series in Canada in June.
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New Auckland FC signing Oli Sail is back to bolster their goalkeeper stocks, while Tim Payne returns from paternity leave.
With Matt Garbett and Ben Waine ruled out due to club commitments, Jesse Randall and Logan Rogerson earn selection after missing the action in Toronto. James McGarry has also been called as another back.
“Ryan is a special player who I have been in regular contact with since taking on the role and who always wanted to return to the side when he was in a position to do so," said Bazeley of Thomas' return.
“He has made a strong start to the season and I know he will have a lot to offer this group in two big games that the whole team are looking forward to.
“Playing Australia is always a big deal but to be able to compete for a trophy, with one game at home, is massive.
“We want to go out and put in two strong performances to build on the success of the last window and continue our momentum heading into the FIFA World Cup next year.”
The first match between the All Whites and Socceroos takes place at Canberra's GIO Stadium on Friday, September 5 (9:45pm NZT), with the return fixture at Auckland's Go Media Stadium on September 9 (7pm).
All Whites squad for Soccer Ashes
Goalkeepers: Max Crocombe, Alex Paulsen, Oli Sail
Defenders: Callan Elliot, Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Finn Surman, Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries, James McGarry
Midfielders: Joe Bell, Elijah Just, Ben Old, Alex Rufer, Sarpreet Singh, Marko Stamenić, Ryan Thomas
Forwards: Kosta Barbarouses, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Logan Rogerson, Chris Wood
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