England-based defender Tyler Bindon has pledged his allegiance to New Zealand, earning his first selection to the All Whites squad for October’s internationals against DR Congo and Australia.
Bindon (18) is also eligible to play for the United States, the birthplace of his mother, Jenny, who made 77 appearances for the Football Ferns.
Bindon has already played for the US U-19s men’s national team after playing college football there.
The former East Coast Bays youth player is one of two newcomers to the New Zealand squad, with Lower Hutt-born midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias (19).
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Dibley-Dias was also eligible to play for Brazil, Portugal or England.
Convincing both to align with New Zealand is a significant coup for new All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley, as both are rising stars at their English clubs.
“Matt and Tyler are two exciting young players who we have been following the development of closely, so I’m really pleased to be able to bring them into the squad for the first time and give them a taste of senior international football,” Bazeley said.
Bindon signed a two-year contract this year with English League One club Reading, while Dibley-Dias has agreed a four-year deal with English Premier League club Fulham.
Main photo: Tyler Bindon … recently joined English club Reading. Photo credit: Reading FC.
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Bindon to extend family’s sporting legacy
Tyler Bindon’s selection for the country of his birth continues his family’s contribution to New Zealand spot.
His mother, Jenny, played as a goalkeeper for the Football Ferns between 2004 and 2014, and is currently an assistant coach for English club London City Lionesses.
Father Grant was the captain of New Zealand’s national volleyball team.
Bindon is eligible to play for the United States as his mother was born in Illinois.
Fixtures
October window
Game to be played on Saturday October 14, 2023 (NZT)
New Zealand v DR Congo
Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, 5am (NZT)
Game to be played on Wednesday October 18, 2023 (NZT)
New Zealand v Australia
Gtech Community Stadium, London, 7.45am (NZT)
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November window
Game to be played on Saturday November 18, 2023 (NZT)
Greece v New Zealand
OPAP Arena, Athens, Greece, 6am TBC (NZT)
Game to be played on Wednesday November 22, 2023 (NZT)
Ireland v New Zealand
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, 8.45am (NZT)
READ MORE: All Whites to face Ireland in Dublin in November international window >>>>
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