New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has included 17-year-old Wellington Phoenix forward Luke Brooke-Smith in the national squad for the upcoming “Soccer Ashes” series against Australia. Brooke-Smith, who became the youngest New Zealander to play in the A-League when he debuted for Phoenix at 16 last December, takes the place of Liberato Cacace. Cacace is still recovering from an injury he sustained during his first match for English Championship club Wrexham.
Joining Brooke-Smith is 20-year-old goalkeeper Henry Gray from Ipswich Town, who replaces Alex Paulsen. Paulsen remains in Poland to settle in after a late loan move to Lechia Gdaลsk from AFC Bournemouth.
Coach Bazeley said these selections reflect a focus on developing young talent, describing them as an investment in the future of the All Whites.
Darren Bazeley said on Monday, “We see Henry and Luke as the future of the All Whites. Both have shown great performances at their clubs. Even though they are young, they can contribute at this level.”
The All Whites will play Australia, who are also 2026 World Cup qualifiers, in a two-match series for the Soccer Ashes trophy, which is inspired by the famous cricket series between Australia and England. The first match will be in Canberra on Friday, and the second will take place in Auckland on September 9.