Middlesbrough reached the play-off final after Southampton was expelled from the play-offs, and Boro replaced them. McGree had about three days to prepare for the match against Hull City.
With about 15 minutes left in a scoreless game, McGree overextended his leg and tore his hamstring. He knew it was severe. Middlesbrough lost 1-0 in stoppage time, and McGree was ruled out of the World Cup.
At first, McGree told this masthead he was in denial, convincing himself the World Cup was not happening. The reality only set in during the national anthem of Australia’s match against Turkey. He traveled to the World Cup as a supporter, where the experience of being a fan proved emotionally unpredictable.
Before Australia’s final group-stage fixture, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic asked McGree to address the team. He forgot most of his prepared speech but spoke from the heart.
McGree has since returned to the national team for friendlies against Brazil. At 27, he could still regain his starting position for the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Middlesbrough sits top of the Championship early this season, and McGree feels stronger than ever.
His former coach Michael Carrick remains confident in his ability. “He’s got the ability to play in the Premier League, he just needs that little bit of luck,” Carrick told this masthead.
McGree himself acknowledges the opportunities that slipped away but holds onto his belief. “I’d like to think that if I was fit, I may have had the opportunity by now to play in the Premier League, whether that be with Middlesbrough through promotion, or in a separate way,” he said. “But that’s not reality, is it? The facts are the facts. I haven’t, and I’ve been injured and I’ve missed opportunities – but that doesn’t stop me from believing that I still can do that.”
He added: “I still strongly believe that I’m the best I’ve ever been. I truly believe that I can get promoted with Middlesbrough and we can get to the Premier League.”