All Whites World Cup squad: Who starts, who sits, who misses out

Bazeley may well opt to give both goalkeepers one of the warm-up games each before making a decision ahead of the first pool match.

Pay no attention to Crocombe being assigned the No 1 jersey in the squad list; Paulsen is just as much a chance of being handed the gloves to face Iran in their opening game.

Woud’s job is hype-man and standard-setter within the much-famed “goalkeeper’s union”, overseen by Paul Gothard.

Callan Elliot, Tim Payne

Payne has been first-choice throughout this World Cup cycle, but an injury-disrupted A-League season with Wellington was unhelpful at best. He did, though, re-stake his claim with an excellent performance against Chile in March, on the occasion of his 50th cap.

Elliot has been terrific for Auckland FC and will keep Payne honest for the starting role.

Tyler Bindon, Michael Boxall, Nando Pijnaker, Tommy Smith, Finn Surman

A position of strength for New Zealand. Boxall’s recent injuries have been worrying, but he appears to have regained something close to full fitness at just the right time and will take his place in the starting side, if fit.

In simple terms, New Zealand look better and more secure when Boxall plays.

The battle to partner him comes down to a choice between Bindon and Surman, who themselves look set to form a formidable duo in the decade ahead.

Surman probably has his nose just in front, but Bindon also belongs on this stage.

Pijnaker will provide back-up and a naturally left-sided option, while Smith’s role in this squad is an off-field one, as widely documented. He’ll drive standards among those who will see little to no game time.

Liberato Cacace, Francis de Vries

Cacace is first-choice and rightly so, as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and exciting players and one of the first names on Bazeley’s team sheet.

De Vries, though, presents a compelling case for game time; his pinpoint delivery from open play and set piece could prove valuable with Chris Wood as a target. If needed, Ben Old could also slot in on the left side of New Zealand’s back four, as he has at club level this season.

Joe Bell, Alex Rufer, Marko Stamenic

Bazeley likes to play with two No 6s in front of his back four and in Bell and Stamenic, he has two of New Zealand’s best current players.

Bell was utterly sublime in the most recent match against Chile and Stamenic has the highest ceiling of any Kiwi player in recent memory.

The World Cup will provide the perfect platform for both to display their wares. Rufer provides solidity and could be introduced late in tight games if they need to be closed out.

Lachlan Bayliss, Matt Garbett, Ben Old, Sarpreet Singh, Ryan Thomas

This is probably the most competitive part of the field as it’s likely only one of these five will be in the starting XI. That’ll almost certainly be Thomas, with his composure, temperament and experience demanding inclusion.

Singh is New Zealand’s most creative force and only genuine No 10, but his selection will depend on how Bazeley decides to set up.

Old must play some part; his ability to step through a press and dazzling footwork deserve this stage, while Garbett and new-boy Bayliss may be involved if specific circumstances allow.

Kosta Barbarouses, Eli Just, Callum McCowatt, Jesse Randall, Ben Waine, Chris Wood

Wood starts (obviously) with Just a lock on the left side of New Zealand’s attack after his excellent club season in Scotland.

Randall elevated himself from fringe player to possible international starter across the A-League season and during the last window, and will push the more experienced McCowatt hard for a place in the XI.

Waine and Barbarouses back up Wood and will add their own different type of impetus late in matches; Waine a tireless chaser, Barbarouses an alternative option to an out-and-out No 9.

It’s possible Bazeley may elect for just two up front and an extra midfielder, in which case Old or Singh would play a more prominent role.

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