Football

The international break: the newcomers out to make an impression

by
Sialah Nathan
March 22, 2023

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Ivan Toney has been called up by England head coach Gareth Southgate. | PHOTO: Independent |

This weekend will feature the international break and the national teams will be in action
Several managers have included fresh call-ups in their squads after the 2022 World Cup
SportsLeo looks at the international newcomers seeking to make an impression on the national stage

The first international break following a big event always provides the opportunity for a fresh start, with squads refreshed whether teams have failed or triumphed.

It allows coaches to reassess as they prepare for the next challenge.

In Europe, qualifying for Euro 2024 starts, so the majority of the games will have a competitive edge.

It’s an excellent opportunity for newcomers to the teams to make their presence known. SportsLeo with the help of Stats Perform examines the athletes who are attempting to do just that.

Argentina

Lionel Messi eventually put his hands on the biggest trophy of all. The PSG forward led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year. Lionel Scaloni will now look to see what possibilities he can bring to the squad. Meanwhile, La Albiceleste attempts to defend their Copa America title in 2024. Two friendlies against Panama and Curacao should provide him with ample opportunity to put some newbies through their paces.

READ: Messi and Argentina are World Cup champions

Nehuen Perez is having a fantastic season in Serie A with Udinese and will be hoping to improve on his one Argentina appearance, while Manchester City youngster Maximo Perrone has been called up for the first time. Perrone joined City from Velez Sarsfield in January after making his professional début the previous year.

Brazil international break only a friendly match

Brazil, like Argentina, has only one friendly scheduled this month. However, it is against World Cup semi-finalists Morocco. That should be a tough test for Ramon Menezes’ first encounter as interim coach.

With Brazil still reeling from their quarter-final exit in Qatar, and important players like Neymar and Richarlison out with injuries, Menezes has named a slew of new faces to his team.

Among them is Rony, who has already scored six goals for Palmeiras in 2023 after scoring 23 the previous year. Joao Gomes, who joined Wolves in January and has already scored in the Premier League, and Andrey Santos will also be trying to make an impression. The 18-year-old has returned to Vasco de Gama on loan from Chelsea, but he now has an opportunity to earn his first cap.

England

Gareth Southgate’s squad for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine contained no fresh call-ups. However, Ivan Toney was a surprise inclusion.

This is not due to Toney’s performance – only Erling Haaland (28) and Harry Kane (21) have scored more Premier League goals this season than the Brentford striker (16) – but because he is being investigated for an alleged violation of Football Association betting regulations.

Toney was named to Southgate’s final roster before the World Cup, but he did not make the trip to Qatar and has yet to play for the Three Lions. Given his inclusion this time, the 27-year-old will be hoping to create an impression after averaging a league goal every 140 minutes this season.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been included in the England national team for the March international break for the Euro 2024 qualifiers. | PHOTO: Premier League |

France international break sees new captain

Kylian Mbappe has been named the new captain succeeding Hugo Lloris. Meanwhile, Lloris’ international departure has resulted in a vacancy in goal, and Mike Maignan of Milan is the obvious successor. However, he has struggled with injury this season. Meanwhile, Brice Samba was called up for the first time as one of three shot-stoppers.

ALSO, READ: Kylian Mbappe named as the new France captain

Samba joined Lens from Nottingham Forest last year and has made an impression in Ligue 1. His 78.1 save percentage ranks third in the division among goalkeepers who have played at least five games. Furthermore, he has stopped 5.2 goals, the fourth-best total in France’s top flight, according to Opta’s expected goals on target conceded (xGOT) model.

Khephren Thuram, the son of 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram and the brother of France striker Marcus Thuram, is having a fantastic season at Nice. The midfielder could force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans for midfield, particularly with N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba out injured.

Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram the brother of France striker Marcus Thuram has received his first call-up to the France national team. | PHOTO: Eurosport |

Germany Euro 2024 hosts

There will be no competitive matches for Germany this month as they prepare to host the Euros next year. However, Hansi Flick’s team will be trying to make amends for their performance in Qatar. Flick has called up six uncapped players for friendlies against Peru and Belgium, including Milan back Malick Thiaw. Kevin Schade, who is on loan from Freiburg, is another fresh face in the forward line.

Marius Wolf, 27, has won his first international opportunity. He has only one goal and one assist in 24 games this season, so he might not be the star who propels Germany to glory in 2024.

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