Forgotten Socceroo Massimo Luongo earns international recall to play England at Wembley after starring in The Championship
- Massimo Luongo returned to the Socceroo squad
- Has not been seen in an international format since 2019
- Tipped for glory after 2015 Asian Cup heroics
- Now 31, has impressed with Ipswich in the Championship
One-time golden boy Massimo Luongo has been recalled to the Socceroos squad for the first time in almost five years.
The 2015 Asian Cup star – which Australia won on home soil under Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou – has been rewarded for his scintillating form with Ipswich Town in the Championship.
Coach Graham Arnold named his squad on Thursday to play England at Wembley (October 14) and New Zealand at Brentford (October 18), and the 31-year-old was one of the midfielders alongside the likes of Craig Goodwin and Jackson Irvine.
Due to injuries and a dip in form, Luongo has been out of action since his 43rd cap – in January 2019 during Australia’s Asian Cup campaign in the UAE.
Luongo has been a standout performer for Ipswich at the start of the season under manager Kieran McKenna, leading his team to second on the ladder after ten games.
One-time golden boy Massimo Luongo has been recalled to the Socceroos squad for the first time in almost five years
It comes on the back of some standout performances from Ipswich Town in the Championship
Arnold is looking forward to getting his squad together in London, with one eye on the Asian Cup in January from Qatar.
“I’m happy with the way we’re building towards an important period for this team,” Arnold said.
“We have been able to vary conditions and personnel to give players the opportunities they need to grow and develop within our environment.
“This period (post-Qatar 2022) has always been focused on those results as we refine the system and style of play that will see us through Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying.
‘I think it is fitting that this work culminates in what will be a great event at Wembley, as well as the opportunity to take on New Zealand as we play for one of the first trophies in Socceroos history.
“We have a fantastic group of young players, many of whom have come through the Olyroos Olympic programme, and we are now seeing the benefits of that work and investment.”
Football fans in Australia can watch the Socceroos match against England and New Zealand live and exclusively on 10 and 10 Play and Paramount+ later this month.