Long-serving Northern Ireland striker Josh Magennis has praised the current squad for their fearlessness and athleticism, qualities he believes are key to Northern Ireland becoming a serious force on the international stage once again.

Northern Ireland’s Revival and World Cup Hopes

It has been almost two years since Michael O’Neill’s side claimed a pivotal 2-0 victory over Denmark, a result widely credited with sparking a revival in Northern Ireland’s fortunes. Since then, the team has impressed in the Nations League, winning their group and positioning themselves to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup play-offs.

Magennis highlighted the combination of courage and work-rate that defines this squad:
“The thing that stands out most for me is the fearlessness that they [the young players] have. We don’t fear anyone. Also, the athleticism that we bring to games—we aren’t afraid of running, we aren’t afraid of doing the hard yards, and if teams aren’t willing to match us we can dominate the game in that way.”

With victories over Luxembourg away and Slovakia at home, as well as competitive performances in two losses against group leaders Germany, Northern Ireland currently sit third in the group. However, the second-place spot, which would guarantee a more favorable play-off draw, remains firmly in their sights.

Dealing with Injuries and Squad Depth

Northern Ireland will be without midfielder Ethan Galbraith, along with key players Ali McCann, Shea Charles, defender Brodie Spencer, and goalkeeper Pierce Charles for upcoming matches due to injuries. Despite this, Magennis remains upbeat:
“The mood is high. I think that comes from how we’ve applied ourselves and the results we’ve managed to get in this group. When players can’t play, it’s an opportunity for others to step in and take that chance, as people have done before.”

Focused on Performance, Not Permutations

Magennis emphasized that the squad is focused on their own performances rather than over-analyzing potential play-off scenarios:
“No-one’s really over-talking about whether we finish second or third, or having a more favorable draw or not. We’re not really bothered who we play against because I think we can give anyone a good run for it.”

Experience, Leadership, and Ambition

Magennis, 35, and Paddy McNair are the only members of the current squad to have been part of Northern Ireland’s squad that reached Euro 2016, the country’s first major finals in 30 years. The veteran forward sees the young squad as capable of guiding Northern Ireland to their first World Cup finals since 1986:
“You wouldn’t want it to be a squad filled with so much hope, ambition, and talent and not be able to express that at a major tournament. To get to another major tournament would be probably cherry on the cake.”

Michael O’Neill’s Tactical Acumen

Magennis praised O’Neill’s leadership, noting his tactical knowledge and ability to maximize players’ strengths:
“He’s tactically very astute, knows the game inside out, and brings in the right people for the right roles. He gets the best out of players not just based on their talent but based on what fits the formation and style of play.”

He also highlighted O’Neill’s man-management skills, which have helped young talents like Isaac Price, Ethan Galbraith, Pierce Charles, Shea Charles, Trai Hume, and Dan Ballard thrive at the international level:
“He gives you that trust and belief. It’s about going out and expressing yourself with freedom, without pressure.”

Northern Ireland’s Path Forward

With World Cup play-offs approaching, Northern Ireland is building momentum through a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent. If they continue to display the fearlessness, athleticism, and tactical discipline Magennis highlights, Northern Ireland has a real chance of ending their long World Cup drought.