FIFA World Cup Australia

Bert van Marwijk announces Australia provisional squad for 2018 World Cup

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk has announced the 32-man provisional squad for the World Cup in Russia on Monday.

The Dutchman named veteran Tim Cahill, who is currently playing for Millwall, in his group. The 38-year-old is the Socceroos’ all-time top goalscorer but has struggled for form and playing time in recent months. Since rejoining the Championship side this January, Cahill has played a total of just 63 minutes from 10 matches with no goal.

On the other hand, van Marwijk has called on two Premier League stars, including Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield) and Mathew Ryan (Brighton).

The preliminary squad will be trimmed to 26 or 27 players before a pre-tournament camp in Turkey later this month, and the final 23-man roster is chosen on June 4.

Australia also take in two games against the Czech Republic and Hungary before their first group match against France on June 16.