Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess has started the November international break with a cap and a clean sheet, starting in Australia's 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia. The 29-year-old started on the left side of a back three as the Socceroos looked to kick on after an impressive start to life under Tony Popovic, beating China 3-1 and drawing 1-1 with Japan last month.
Wins are important to chase down the Samurai Blue, who top their World Cup qualifying group, and their distance from the chasing pack. A clash at AAMI Park in Melbourne, where Australia have been in imperious form, was seen as a good opportunity to do that. However, they struggled for possession and mustered just two shots on target from 11 attempts, although they limited the visitors to little.
Burgess, who played the full 90 minutes to earn his 12th cap, played a big part in that, making four clearances, five recoveries and an interception. His side did struggle going forward, leaving them to settle for a point that keeps them second in Group C for now.
Australia's Future Matches
Australia are back in action next Tuesday as they take on Bahrain (6:15pm GMT). Ali Al-Hamadi (Iraq v Jordan, 4:15pm GMT), Sammie Szmodics and Dara O'Shea (both Ireland v Finland, 7:45pm GMT) are all expected to feature this evening.
Other Ipswich Town Players in International Action
This afternoon, Ali Al-Hamadi, 22, will be hoping to win his 15th full cap and add to his three international goals when Iraq face Jordan in Basra, also in a World Cup qualifier (KO 4.15pm). The Iraqis, who are currently third in their group, subsequently travel to take on the Oman in Muscat on Tuesday.
This evening, Dara O’Shea, 25, and Sammie Szmodics, 29, could add to their caps in the Republic of Ireland’s penultimate UEFA Nations League group game against Finland at the Aviva Stadium. The Blues defender is a doubt with his ongoing back problem. Ireland, who are currently third in Group B2, face England at Wembley on Sunday in their final match.
O’Shea has previously won 30 caps, playing at right-back since Heimir Hallgrímsson took over as boss in the summer, and Szmodics eight.
Blues duo Chiedozie Ogbene and Jack Taylor would have been included in the squad but are currently out injured.
Meanwhile, U21s striker Ashley Boatswain is with Montserrat for their CONCACAF Nations League games against St Vincent and the Grenadines this evening and with El Salvador on Monday with both games played in San Salvador, El Salvador. Boatswain, 19, has previously won four caps with Montserrat, who are currently bottom of their group. The game is being shown live on CONCACAF’s YouTube channel.
Elsewhere, young Blues keeper Woody Williamson, 18, was an unused sub as Scotland’s U19s were beaten 1-0 by Wales in their opening Euro 2025 mini-group game yesterday afternoon. The Scottish youngsters take on Liechtenstein at Cappielow Park, Greenock on Saturday and then complete their matches against France at the same venue next Tuesday.
A Busy International Break for Ipswich Town
The international break has seen a number of Ipswich Town players represent their countries. With so many players away on international duty, it will be interesting to see how the Blues fare when they return to domestic action.
