Manchester United Teenager Receives Surprise Socceroos Call-Up
James Overy, turning 18 this weekend, has been training consistently with Manchester United’s first team under Ruben Amorim. Now, he is poised to make his senior international debut with the Socceroos.
Popovic Unveils Squad with 11 New Faces
Tony Popovic announced a 25-man squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia, marking the penultimate selection window before finalizing the team for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- The squad includes 11 newcomers.
- Overy’s inclusion is the most surprising.
Background on James Overy
Born in Perth, Overy was the youngest player on the Young Socceroos squad at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where the team won one of three group-stage matches but failed to progress.
He joined Manchester United’s academy last year and has earned praise from manager Ruben Amorim, who frequently invites him to train with the Premier League club’s first team, though Overy has yet to make a senior appearance.
"James Overy has impressed manager Ruben Amorim, who has regularly invited him to first-team training sessions."
Author's summary: James Overy’s unexpected call-up to the Socceroos senior squad highlights his rapid development at Manchester United and signals strong potential ahead of the 2026 World Cup.