Manchester United defender James Overy has been selected for the Australia senior squad for the first time. The young full-back, who will turn 18 on Sunday, received this early birthday gift ahead of friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia set for this month.
Born in Perth, Overy joined Manchester United in 2024 and has been progressing well at Carrington. Recently, he represented Australia at the Under-20 World Cup, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
“It’s another opportunity to expand the depth and introduce players who have not yet been exposed to the Socceroos environment or senior international football,”
said senior coach Tony Popovic, who played in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. He plans to evaluate Overy closely during the friendlies in the United States.
Overy has featured for Manchester United’s Under-18 and Under-21 teams this season. Australia is already gearing up for the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be hosted in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Author's summary: James Overy, a promising young full-back, has been called up to Australia's senior squad, marking a vital step as the team prepares for future international competitions.