Ryan Thomas, celebrating a goal for PEC Zwolle, is one of three former Tauranga players named in the All Whites. Photo / Getty Images
Three Tauranga footballers who grew up together with the dream of one day making the All Whites were yesterday named in coach Anthony Hudson's squad for the November internationals against China and Thailand.
Striker Ryan Thomas, who is based in Holland with top club PEC Zwolle, Wellington Phoenix midfielder Tyler
Boyd, and Italian club Vicenza Calcio's defender Jesse Edge were all named in the senior squad together for the first time.
The three close friends have been kicking a ball together since they were 12 years old and after appearing for NZ Under-20s and other age-group teams together, they have finally realised that dream.
Thomas (two caps) and Boyd (three caps) played international football for the All Whites together against Uzbekistan in September, but this is the first call-up for Edge to the top grade.
