Trent Sainsbury. Photo: Getty
Camera IconTrent Sainsbury. Photo: Getty Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

Australia’s World Cup squad: the local boys set to shine on football’s biggest stage

Ben SmithComment News

LOCAL boys Trent Sainsbury and Brad Jones are heading to Russia after being named in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Thornlie-born Sainsbury and Armadale-born Jones are part of the Socceroos’ 23-man squad who will face France, Denmark and Peru in the group stage.

Jones played his junior football at Sutherlands Park and Lynwood and graduated from John Curtin College’s football program, while Sainsbury attended Kelmscott Senior High School and made his name as a junior at Armadale Soccer Club.

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While Jones will be the back-up goalkeeper to Mat Ryan, Sainsbury will likely be one of the first names on the team-sheet in the heart of defence.

The pair join former Perth Glory defender Josh Risdon as the only three representatives from Western Australia in the squad.

Sainsbury became the Socceroos’ 59th captain last week when he stepped in for regular skipper Mile Jedinak during their 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.

The Socceroos will face Hungary on Saturday night in a pre-tournament friendly, before arriving in Kazan for their opening game against France on June 16.

Hungary v Socceroos

Date: Saturday, 9 June 2018

Venue: Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary

Kick-off: 11.30pm WA

Broadcast: Live on Fox Sports and Network Ten

Socceroos 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group C Matches:

France v Socceroos

Date: Saturday, 16 June 2018

Venue: Kazan Arena, Kazan, Russia

Kick-off: 6pm WA

Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport

Denmark v Socceroos

Date: Thursday, 21 June 2018

Venue: Samara Arena, Samara, Russia

Kick-off: 8pm WA

Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport

Socceroos v Peru

Date: Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Venue: Fisht Stadium, Sochi, Russia

Kick-off: 10pm WA

Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS and Optus Sport