The Philippine National Football Team has revealed the 23 players that will represent the country in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to February 1, however, goalkeeper Neil Etheridge was noticeably missing.
England-born Etheridge has had 63 international appearances, however was only allowed to play one game in the Asian Cup by his club team Cardiff City due to rules in the Premier League. Previously, Azkals team manager Dan Palami revealed, “Neil has given a lot for the country since he was a teen. We have talked about the situation already and I understand his dilemma. He has my support on the decision he will make,” referring to the 28-year-old’s prioritizing of his club team.
Danish club AC Horsen Kevin Hansen will be replacing Etheridge as goalkeeper, with Michael Falkesgaard and Nathaniel Ace Villanueva also ready to suit up for the position. Phil Younghusband leads the team as captain, while co-captains include Stephan Schrock and Javier Patino. Patino was not present during November’s Suzuki Cup due to injury.
Completing the Azkals lineup are Carlos de Murga, Stephan Palla, Daisuke Sato, Alvaro Silva, and Luke Woodland on defense, midfielders Adam Tull, Kevin Ingreso, Paul Mulders, Manuel Ott, Mike Rigoberto Ott, John-Patrick Strauss, Miguel Javier Tanton, and James Younghusband; and forwards Jovin Bedic, Curt Dizon, Javier Patino, Iain Ramsey, and Patrick Reichelt.
The Azkals’ first games are against fellow Group C competitors Korea on January 7, China on January 11, and Kyrgyzstan on January 16, with all games taking place at Khalif Bin Zayed Stadium. In preparation for the AFC Asian Cup, the Filipino representatives will face Suzuki Cup 2018 champions Team Vietnam once again to close out the year.
The team will continue to be led by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. He’ll be guided by Scott Cooper, Stefano Marsella, and Chris Greatwich as well.