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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READ NOWWhile 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