Riley McGree intent on securing a place in the Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia

Frustrated by injuries in recent seasons, midfielder Riley McGree wants to prove that he’s worthy of a Socceroos recall.

A determination to prove he has overcome his injury woes and is still worthy of a spot in the Socceroos squad has Riley McGree on “edge” ahead of Australia’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

McGree has been restricted to 39 English Championship appearances – 14 of them off the bench – for Middlesbrough in the past two seasons as he has battled a host of injury issues, including a foot problem.

His unavailability has also cost him Socceroos caps, but the 26-year-old midfielder is currently in camp with a national training squad in the United Arab Emirates, and is intent on being recalled to Australia’s squad for the upcoming battles with Japan (June 5, Perth) and Saudi Arabia (June 11 AEST, Jeddah).

Riley McGree takes a water break during a session with a national training squad in the United Arab Emirates. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images

“These next nine, 10 days, for me and also for everyone here, is to prove a point and to prove to myself that I’m fit, to prove to the coaching staff and my teammates that I’m fit and I’m capable of performing, and hopefully contributing in the best way possible,” the former Adelaide United, Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets star said.

“I’ve been working hard for a long time to try to get it (his body) right, and it’s starting to come good, so hopefully I can stay on top of it and keep progressing and get to where I want to be.

“I’ll put my best foot forward, and wherever they see me fit, or if they don’t see me fit, then that’s the decision they’re going to make.

“Nothing’s guaranteed in football – your place is never guaranteed. That’s important for all of us to have that mindset, so that we’re pushing and driving each other to raise the bar and the best possible standards come game time.”

Two big saves in a row 😮 🧤

Tom Glover and Joe Gauci are put through their paces during our intensive training camp in Abu Dhabi 💪 #Socceroospic.twitter.com/lSpTfSdFYu

— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) May 23, 2025

McGree said there was a “buzz” in the camp in a squad that was a combination of youth and experience, but also a “seriousness”.

“There’s an edge with everyone,” he said.

“We want to put our best foot forward and be the best version of ourselves. I don’t think it’s just up to the young players to prove themselves. Even the senior boys, day in, day out, are trying to prove themselves.”

Originally published as Riley McGree intent on securing a place in the Socceroos squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia