Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has delivered a stunning endorsement of West Australian teenager James Overy, declaring the Manchester United academy prospect is in genuine contention for next year's FIFA World Cup.
Birthday Call-Up Stuns Young Defender
The Perth-born defender received the perfect 18th birthday present on Sunday when he was named in Popovic's squad for Australia's upcoming two-match international window against Venezuela and Colombia in Houston and New York.
Despite having never played a senior professional match at any level, Overy's rapid development at Manchester United has caught the attention of national selectors. Popovic emphasised this was not merely a future-focused selection, but one with immediate World Cup implications.
"If they're in the squad now, they're a chance for the World Cup," Popovic stated. "Yes, there are some players that obviously can be more long-term prospects, can be prospects for after the World Cup, maybe the Asian Cup, certainly the next cycle. That doesn't rule them out of this World Cup coming up and James is one of those."
Manchester United's Rising Star
Overy, who left Perth Glory's academy in 2024 to join Manchester United's renowned youth system, has been making significant strides in England. The full-back has been regularly training with United's first-team despite his tender age and is being managed through a carefully planned development pathway.
"We have good contacts at Man U, so we know what he's doing at training," Popovic revealed. "We know how much he trains, how much he trains with the first team. He's getting games at under-18's, under-21's and I just thought, he's worth having a look at."
The Socceroos coach expressed delight at Overy's physical progress, noting: "We can see the physical gains he's making in terms of his loading at training and how well he's adapting to that and the rigors of a Premier League top club training when he's with the first team."
Proving Maturity on International Stage
Overy's potential was evident during Australia's recent Under-20 World Cup campaign, where he was the youngest squad member yet started two of their three group stage matches. His versatility saw him play both right-back and left-back, with Popovic particularly impressed by his maturity at the tournament.
"The boy's doing something well if he's getting called up to some sessions in the first team, and he's impressing the first team staff," Popovic said, acknowledging Manchester United's clear belief in the young defender.
Overy joins two other West Australians in the squad - seasoned centre-back Cameron Burgess and uncapped versatile defender Jack Iredale - as Popovic signals his willingness to consider talent regardless of age or experience.
With just four games remaining before the World Cup in June, this surprise call-up represents a massive opportunity for the Manchester United prospect to stake his claim for soccer's biggest stage.
