Rising Stars of the Socceroos
Two young talents, Lucas Herrington and Paul Okon-Engstler, are showing immense promise and could be key players for the Socceroos in the upcoming World Cup. Their performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team’s coach, Tony Popovic, who has included both in the squad.
Lucas Herrington: A Promising Defender
Lucas Herrington, an 18-year-old defender from Colorado Rapids, has been making waves since joining the Socceroos. His consistent performances in Major League Soccer (MLS) have earned him a spot in the national team. Herrington played 90 minutes in the recent 1-0 loss to Mexico at the Rose Bowl, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Popovic praised Herrington’s ability to maintain his performance level throughout the season, noting that he plays every minute of every game. “He can be really good. He’s just started out and he’s doing so well in MLS,” Popovic said. “He keeps backing up. I don’t want to jinx him now – or us – but he’s very robust to keep backing up every game.”
Herrington’s consistency has made him a strong candidate for the starting lineup against Switzerland on Saturday and potentially for the World Cup opener against Turkey on June 13. Popovic added, “In the first training session in March, once I saw him train, he was playing. I see that same carefree kid that loves football, has no fear, and he’s 18.”
Paul Okon-Engstler: A Creative Midfielder
Paul Okon-Engstler, son of former Socceroo and current assistant coach Paul Okon, has also shown great potential as a creative holding midfielder. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for Sydney FC and has impressed Popovic with his development over the past year.
Okon-Engstler was initially brought into the camp as a Benfica U23s player ahead of crucial qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Since then, he has continued to improve, both physically and technically. “He hasn’t reached, I believe, half of what he could reach,” Popovic said. “But his improvement over 12 months has been significant in particular physically from where he was at the start of the A-League to now powering away from players, winning more duels, being able to shield the ball better.”
Popovic noted that Okon-Engstler’s performances against Cameroon and Curacao in March were pivotal in boosting his confidence. “I think that gave him a lot of confidence that he belongs at this level,” Popovic said. “You can tell a player they belong, but until they actually reach that… that’s what happens with young players. It can take time.”
Looking Ahead
Both Herrington and Okon-Engstler represent the future of Australian football. Their inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to their talent and potential. As they continue to develop and gain experience, they could play crucial roles in the national team’s success.
For Herrington, the opportunity to play in the World Cup is a dream come true. “This morning I was sure he would be picked. But if I think about the kid, I’m sure he got up this morning and he was hoping and praying that he’s in there, but without a doubt he deserves to be here,” Popovic said.
Okon-Engstler’s journey has been marked by steady progress and a growing sense of confidence. With each performance, he is proving that he belongs at the highest level of the game. Popovic remains optimistic about his future, stating, “He’s always been a technically very good player, taking some attributes after his father there, that’s for sure. That was always there.”
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on these young stars to see how they perform on the international stage. Their potential is undeniable, and their contributions could be vital to the Socceroos’ campaign.
