Braintree's Smith in New Zealand World Cup squad

Breaking news from the world of sport: Braintree's Smith in New Zealand World Cup squadImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tommy Smith, who has also played for Ipswich Town and Colchester United, won the Premier's Plate with Auckland FC last yearByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalistPublished13 minutes agoBraintree Town defender Tommy Smith has been named alongside Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood in New Zealand's World Cup squad. Smith, 36, started New Zealand's three group matches when they last competed at the World Cup 16 years ago, but has not played since 2024.

Braintree were relegated from the National League this season. Smith and 34-year-old Premier League forward Wood, who was also part of that 2010 squad, will become the first New Zealanders to feature at two men's World Cups.

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In 2010 - competing at a World Cup for only the second time following their 1982 debut - New Zealand drew with Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay but failed to reach the knockout stages. They will face Belgium, Egypt and Iran in the group stage of the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.

New Zealand will play England in a friendly in Tampa, Florida, on 6 June, three days after facing Haiti. Wood, who returned in April after six months out with a knee problem that required surgery, will captain the 26-man squad.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.