Chris Wood: ‘All Whites should train more often with the young players’

All Whites striker Chris Wood says including the next generation of international players in training camps is “fantastic” and should be considered more often.

The All Whites are training this week with the national U-22 squad ahead of the teams’ double header against China at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Thursday.

“I think it’s fantastic. I think it should be done more often,” Wood told NZ Football’s media team during a break in training.

“It gives the chance for the young boys to train with us lads and understand a bit more, and it gives us chance to learn the young players for when they step into,  hopefully, the first team.

“We know them already. We know their strengths and weaknesses and we can work and help them.”

After a 24-hour flight from the United Kingdom, Wood (31) was at training four hours after landing in Auckland.

“It’s good to be here,” he said. “We want to play games here.

“Everyone loves playing games at home. That’s what it’s all about, being able to come back to our fanbase, our family … we just love being here.

“As players, we want to be playing in every window.”

Main photo: Chris Wood … ‘It’s good to be home.’

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Fixtures

Game to be played on Thursday March 23, 2023

New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 3.30pm (NZT)

All Whites v China PR
Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 7pm (NZT)

Game to be played on Sunday March 26, 2023

New Zealand U-22 v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 12.30pm (NZT)

All Whites v China PR
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 4pm (NZT)

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Tickets

Tickets are available from $20 to $80 (adult) and $10 to $40 (children aged 2-14).

National squads

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