14 Aussies to watch in the EFL this season
From established Socceroos stars to emerging talents on their first foray abroad, the EFL is stacked with Australian players looking to make a mark in 26/27.
We've picked 14 Australians to watch in 26/27, from returning World Cup heroes, to injured players looking to make a strong return to the pitch later in the season and everyone in between.
For the first time, from the start of the season, beIN SPORTS CONNECT will feature short and long highlights of every EFL Championship, League One and League Two match, so if an Aussie scores a cracking goal, or makes a stunning save, you'll be able to relive the moment.
Here are 14 to watch in 26/27.
Riley McGree, Middlesbrough - EFL Championship
A technically gifted, attack-minded midfielder who excels between the lines, McGree's close control, intelligent movement and ability to arrive late in the box make him dangerous around goal, while his passing allows him to provide quick transitions into attack. He missed the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in Middlesbrough's play-off final defeat to Hull City, but returned to light training during pre-season and was expected to be back in contention around the start of the new campaign.
Mohamed Toure, Norwich City - EFL Championship
Toure is an explosive, aggressive striker who loves running at defenders and attacking space behind the back line. He combines pace with sharp movement and a natural instinct in front of goal, making him one of the most exciting young Australian forwards in the Championship. After his breakout 2025–2026 campaign, capped by strong performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, another season of regular Championship football could see the 21 year-old establish himself as one of the competition's most dangerous young attackers.
Alex Robertson, Cardiff City - EFL Championship
Robertson is an intelligent, progressive midfielder capable of operating as a No.6, No.8 or further forward. He combines aggression with quality on the ball, carries possession confidently and has an eye for arriving in dangerous areas around the penalty box. Robertson heads into the new Championship season fit and ready to play a major role for promoted Cardiff.
Harry Souttar, Leicester City - League One
At 1.98m, Souttar is an imposing centre-back who dominates aerial contests and is a major weapon from set pieces. He combines his physical presence with composed distribution, while his positioning and reading of the game make him a natural defensive leader. After battling an Achilles injury and subsequent knee problems last season on loan at Sheffield United, Souttar's return to regular football for the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup could be a boon for an embattled Leicester outfit which was relegated last season.
Cameron Burgess, Swansea City - Championship
The experienced left-footed centre-back brings composure, strength and excellent aerial ability. Burgess is particularly comfortable defending crosses and set pieces, while his distribution from the back helps Swansea build possession. His 2026–2027 campaign, however, has suffered a cruel early setback, with Swansea confirming that Burgess has ruptured his Achilles and will face a significant spell on the sidelines.
Lewis Miller, Blackburn Rovers - Championship
Miller is an athletic, energetic right-back who combines aggressive defending with a willingness to get forward. He likes overlapping, carrying the ball into advanced areas and delivering crosses, while his pace and physicality make him effective when defending one-on-one. His own campaign is also a case of patience, with Miller continuing his recovery from the ruptured Achilles he suffered in February. The injury ruled him out of Australia's World Cup campaign and is expected to keep him sidelined well into the new season.
Hayden Matthews, Portsmouth - Championship
Standing at around 1.96m, Matthews has the physical profile of a modern centre-back and is particularly strong in aerial duels. He is aggressive without the ball, comfortable defending space and increasingly composed in possession. After missing Australia's World Cup campaign through injury, Matthews has returned to the Portsmouth setup and will be looking to establish himself as a regular at Championship level.
Joe Gauci, Lincoln City - Championship
Gauci is a commanding goalkeeper who combines his 1.94m frame with strong reflexes and an increasingly modern approach to distribution. He is comfortable coming off his line, attacks crosses aggressively and now has the opportunity to establish himself at Championship level. His season-long move to newly promoted Lincoln represents a particularly important opportunity, with regular senior football the next step in his development.
Callum Elder, Lincoln City - Championship
Elder is an experienced, intelligent left-back whose game is built around reliability and tactical awareness. He can operate in a back four or as a wing-back, provides useful attacking width and is particularly valuable for his ability to read situations defensively. After several injury interruptions in recent seasons, Elder arrives at the Red Imps fit and ready for another Championship campaign, bringing valuable experience to a side making its first appearance in the second tier in decades.
Thomas Waddingham, Portsmouth - Championship
Waddingham is a young striker who offers physicality, movement and a willingness to attack defenders. He can occupy centre-backs, run into space and compete for crosses, while his natural instinct around goal makes him an intriguing prospect. After a frustrating period disrupted by injury, Waddingham suffered another setback in Portsmouth's Carabao Cup clash with West Ham, making his latest return to football a story-line worth following closely.
Kealey Adamson, Queens Park Rangers - Championship
Adamson is an athletic right-back who combines defensive energy with the ability to contribute going forward. He is comfortable carrying possession, overlapping and competing physically. Having made his first Championship start last season, the next challenge is turning those opportunities into a regular place in the QPR side.
Clayton Taylor, Barnsley - League One
Taylor is a direct, left-footed winger who loves taking defenders on. He can operate on either flank or centrally, uses his pace to attack space and is not afraid to shoot. His breakout A-League campaign earned him a move to Barnsley, although his start to life in England has been interrupted by an adductor issue. His eventual return will be keenly watched given the attacking qualities that earned him the move.
Caleb Watts, Plymouth Argyle - League One
Watts is a lively attacking midfielder who looks to receive between the lines and immediately turn towards goal. He combines neat passing and close control with intelligent movement, while his goal-scoring contribution last season demonstrated a growing ability to contribute from midfield. After missing part of pre-season with an injury, Watts has returned to contention and will be hoping to build on a promising first full season in English football.
Gethin Jones, MK Dons - League One
Jones is a versatile, experienced defender who can operate at right-back or in the centre. He combines defensive discipline with an excellent engine, overlapping runs and a willingness to carry the ball forward. After helping MK Dons win promotion from League Two, the Perth-born former Socceroo now faces another challenge as the club steps up to League One, bringing considerable EFL experience to a side looking to consolidate in the third tier.
