EFL star called up for World Cup in first for League One club

Peterborough United’s Matt Garbett has been called up for the World Cup to represent New Zealand.

It is the first time in Posh’s history that they have had a player feature at the World Cup.

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The 24-year-old was born in London but represents the Kiwis on the national stage.

He is also an experienced member of the squad with 36 caps and five goals.

He joins Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood and Braintree Town’s centre-back Tommy Smith in the New Zealand side.

Garbett could end up playing against England, with the Three Lions scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 7 in Florida.

They then kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against Iran before facing Egypt and Belgium.

The Kiwis are yet to win a World Cup match in their history and will be looking to change that this summer.

It is only the third time in their history that they’ve qualified for the World Cup.

In 1982, they lost every group match, and in 2010, they drew them all instead – the only unbeaten team at the tournament.

Back to England

Having been born in London, Peterborough is Garbett’s first English team.

The central midfielder joined Posh in the summer on a free transfer from NAC Breda.

He made 30 League One appearances, scoring three times and providing two assists.

And it’s clear he’ll play an important role for New Zealand at the World Cup.

Interest in him could also increase in the summer as well.

Posh’s chairman Darragh MacAnthony revealed earlier this year that he turned down a £1.7m offer for Garbett from an unnamed club.

A good World Cup would go a long way in increasing that potential fee should Peterborough decide to cash in.

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Good move

Garbett was already an established New Zealand international, but plenty of appearances in League One didn’t harm his cause.

Speaking about joining Peterborough earlier this season, he said: “A few people told me I would love English football.

“They said it would suit me and I’ve loved it so far. It’s just what I needed, and I love playing for a manager who keeps standards high and who has placed a lot of trust in me.”

“I thrive when a manager is on top of you all the time. As players, we shouldn’t need it as we should look after our own standards, but there’s a lot of respect for him,” Garbett said of Ferguson.

“I also love his style of football as I’m a player who loves getting on the ball and playing between the lines.

“I was stoked to get my first goal and for the team to get that first win. It was a great pass from Archie Collins to find me, but I saw someone coming up behind me, so I took the ball in the opposite direction, and it bounced up perfectly, so I just hit it.”

Of course, Darren Ferguson has now been sacked but Garbett still made 23 appearances under Luke Williams, so he’s adapted to the change in gaffer and has now made history for Peterborough United.