Overy Receives First Australia Senior Squad Call-Up
Young Manchester United full-back James Overy has earned his first call-up to the Australia senior squad ahead of friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia later this month. The Perth-born defender, who turns 18 on Sunday, joined United in 2024 and has shown steady development at Carrington.
Overy recently represented Australia at the Under-20 World Cup, and his performances have drawn the attention of senior coach Tony Popovic, formerly of Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Popovic plans to assess the teenager closely during the upcoming fixtures in the United States.
“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,” Popovic said when announcing his squad.
This season, Overy has contributed effectively to Manchester United’s Under-18 and Under-21 teams. He is now set to take a significant step forward in his international career, as Australia builds momentum toward next year’s World Cup finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Author Summary
James Overy, an 18-year-old Manchester United defender, has earned his first call-up to Australia’s senior team for two friendlies as coach Tony Popovic broadens the Socceroos roster.