Tyler Bindon secures World Cup call-up following Sheffield United loan spell
Tyler Bindon will be jetting off to this summer’s World Cup after being included in New Zealand’s 26-man squad.
Centre-back Tyler Bindon has been named in New Zealand’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup following the recent conclusion of his loan spell at Sheffield United.
The centre-back, who spent this season on loan at Bramall Lane from Nottingham Forest, was a regular for the All Whites in qualifying, chipping in with one goal.
Bindon made 26 appearances for the Blades during his time in S2, scoring one goal. He was on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win over Birmingham City at Bramall Lane just five days before Christmas.
After overcoming a slow start in S2 that led to United considering sending him back to Forest early, Bindon turned his fortunes around, establishing himself as a regular starter in the second half of the campaign. He was recruited by former Blades chief Rubén Sellés last July after previously working with him at Reading.
His reward for his performances in United colours is a spot in New Zealand’s World Cup squad. This summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will mark the All Whites’ first World Cup appearance since 2010 and only their third in history.
Exiting the showpiece event at the group stage in each of their last two World Cup appearances, Darren Bazeley’s team, this time around, are competing in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and Iran. They face the latter in their opening game of the tournament on June 16.
Joined in the squad by Nottingham Forest teammate Chris Wood, Bindon will be hoping to add to the 23 senior caps he has earned for his country thus far.
Other English-based players to have been included in the New Zealand squad are Millwall goalkeeper Max Crocombe, Braintree Town defender Tommy Smith, Swansea City midfielder Marko Stamenić, Matthew Garbett of Peterborough United and Port Vale striker Ben Waine.
United winger Tahith Chong is expected to join Bindon at this summer’s World Cup by featuring for Curaçao. They are yet to announce their squad for the tournament, but it is widely expected the former Manchester United man will make the cut.