In a stunning selection move, 17-year-old Manchester United defender James Overy has earned his first-ever call-up to the Australian national team for upcoming friendlies in the United States.
Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has handed the surprise inclusion to the highly-rated right-back, marking a significant milestone in the teenager's rapid ascent through the football ranks.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Returns
Overy is one of six uncapped players named in Popovic's squad for matches against Venezuela in Houston on 14 November and Colombia in New York.
The selection represents one of eleven changes from the squad that faced the USA and Canada last month as Australia intensifies preparations for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Among the other new faces are four A-League Men players: Paul Okon-Engstler and Al Hassan Toure from Sydney FC, and Melbourne City duo Kai Trewin and Patrick Beach.
The squad also welcomes back captain Jackson Irvine, who makes his first Socceroos appearance since March following recovery from a foot injury at German club St Pauli.
Overy's Remarkable Journey
The Western Australian-born defender, who has also represented Scotland at youth level, has been on a steady upward trajectory that saw him named among The Guardian's 60 best young talents in world football last year.
Overy's progress was temporarily halted by an eight-month Achilles injury, but he has since recovered impressively. He was the youngest player in Australia's recent U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile and has reportedly trained with Manchester United's first team on three occasions under coach Ruben Amorim.
His journey to this point began when he moved to the UK with his family after impressing in a friendly for Perth Glory against West Ham two years ago, eventually signing with the prestigious Manchester club.
World Cup Preparation and Ranking Implications
These friendlies carry added significance beyond mere experimentation. Australia aims to boost its FIFA world ranking ahead of the World Cup draw on 5 December, which could determine whether they secure a more favourable group placement.
Popovic explained his selection strategy, stating the moves were designed to "expand the depth" of the Socceroos and expose emerging talent to senior international football.
"We also welcome back some familiar faces, from Australia and abroad," Popovic added. "I've had the chance to closely observe the opening rounds of the A-League season, and we believe this is the ideal time to integrate domestic players into the squad."
The inclusion of Overy and other young prospects signals a bold approach from Popovic as he builds toward the 2026 World Cup, demonstrating that age is no barrier to international recognition for Australia's most promising football talents.
