Much is made of Harry Souttar’s height. He is incorrectly listed as 1.98cm tall on Google, when in fact he stands over two metres tall.
He utilised his height with the opening goal in Thursday night’s 7-0 humbling of Bangladesh in the Socceroos’ 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifying opener.
As he walked through the mixed zone afterwards, the microphone had to be adjusted to tailor for the towering Australia centre-back.
But there is more to Souttar, especially with his fourth-minute header, as he explained.
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“Obviously we work a lot on it (set-pieces),” he told reporters.
“I know it’s said all the time about the height advantage and stuff, but like for me, it was probably my best header (for) actual technique that I’ve scored.
“I think it just gets taken down a little bit because obviously the players marking me, I don’t want to sound disrespectful but they might be a little bit smaller.
“But I’ll absolutely take it. It’s like an unbelievable feeling to score, every time it’s very special and I don’t take it for granted.”
Souttar towered over everyone on the field and he rose highest to head home a sublime free-kick from Craig Goodwin to set the ball rolling before Mitch Duke scored a quick-fire brace, Jamie Maclaren bagged a second-half hat-trick, while Brandon Borrello also struck.
It was Souttar’s ninth international goal – moving within one of the all-time Socceroos record among defenders (held by Kevin Muscat).
He was unaware that he was within touching distance of the record when it was brought to his attention following the game.
Souttar was just glad to be out on the field playing, having struggled for game time at EFL Championship leaders Leicester City this season.
He has only made two appearances in 2023-24 across the Championship and League Cup.
Souttar said: “I feel a little bit fortunate that I’ve got the boss backing me and keeping his faith in me, even though I’ve not been playing football.
“I know that, he’s been very good with me and to me in terms of starting me in games when I’ve not been playing football.
“It’s a kind of frustrating time, but I think I said a couple of days ago I can’t really complain too much (because) we’re top of the league and the boys are flying.
“It’s just good to be back on the grass with the boys.”
Despite his struggles at Leicester, Souttar has vowed to stay and fight for his place.
“Obviously I know it’s difficult with the results that we have but I’ve had a good couple of conversations with the manager,” he said.
“He knows that whenever he needs me, I’ll be 100% ready. Being top of the league it’s hard to get in. But all I can do is keep my training levels up, fitness levels up and when called upon, be ready and hopefully perform well.”
