Brandon Borrello edges closer to representing Socceroos at major tournament

One major goal continues to drive Western Sydney Wanderers forward Brandon Borrello in his bid for a regular spot in Australia’s squad.

The chance to represent the Socceroos in a major tournament continues to drive Western Sydney Wanderers forward Brandon Borrello in his bid for a regular spot in Australia’s squad.

Borrello, who turns 30 in July, debuted for the Socceroos six years ago, but injuries have largely restricted him to 13 appearances for the national team.

Yet to play at an AFC Asian Cup or a FIFA World Cup, Borrello senses he has a real opportunity to change that by being part of the Socceroos squad – should Australia qualify – at next year’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada.

He has been part of the Socceroos’ past two squads and is at a national training camp in the UAE, from which Australia’s coach Tony Popovic will select his playing contingent for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Japan (June 5, Perth) and Saudi Arabia (June 11 AEST, Jeddah).

Brandon Borrello is itching to represent Australia in a big tournament. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images

“I’ve always been a part of qualifiers but never been to a big tournament, like the World Cup, the biggest tournament there is,” said Borrello, who added that “egos” had to put aside if the Socceroos wanted to seal qualification next month.

“At club land, the less egos you have, the better the team works. We saw it at club land this year (at the Wanderers) with goals being from different avenues, people setting up other people … and just to reciprocate that at the highest level for your country is my goal.

“The way I like to play football, I like to feel comfortable in the environment and the people that I’m playing with, so when everyone’s happy, it just helps with the overall general vide of the team.

“That works best for me, not that it might work for everyone else, but that’s one of the better ways to go about it.”

Borrello said the training camp was “very intense” and detailed.

“It’s definitely by no means a holiday here. Everyone’s trying to put their best foot forward,” he said.

“We’re trying to do as much as we can. We have video sessions, there’s one-on-on groups as well just to go through positioning … there’s a lot of information to take in.

“The quicker you absorb that, the better you are all for it.”

Competition for spots for the final squad is ramping up as Brandon Borrello talks about the intensity during each training session. 🗣️#Socceroospic.twitter.com/vpDO7982r6

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) May 27, 2025

Borrello said emerging talent Nicolas Milanovic, who recently signed for Scottish club Aberdeen after starring for the Wanderers in their 2024-25 campaign, had “fitted in really well” in camp in his quest for a maiden Socceroos cap.

“He’s enjoying training, he looks sharp, so I guess all he has to do is just carry on the way he’s been playing at club for his country,” Borrello said.

“He’s a great footballer, he’s a great professional and … he understands what the boss (Popovic) wants, comes in, does his part, does his role, and makes sure everything on the pitch is matched with everything off the pitch.”

Originally published as Brandon Borrello edges closer to representing Socceroos at major tournament