For many football fans, the international break comes along with a heavy sigh. But for some players it provides an opportunity for some the proudest moments of their careers to date.
Powerhouses like France, Brazil, Italy, England, Germany and Argentina are among the national teams that have called up players for the first time with a view to handing them their first caps.
Here are nine players worth looking out for over the coming fortnight.
Jean-Clair Todibo
The centre-back joined Barcelona from Toulouse as a highly-rated youngster back in 2019. But he never quite broke through at the Catalan club and had to look elsewhere for opportunities. Loaned out to Schalke, Benfica and Nice, Todibo joined the Ligue 1 club on a permanent deal in 2021.
He now looks settled on the French Riviera and is producing the best football of his career for a Nice side that also boast Kasper Schmeichel, Ross Barkley, Aaron Ramsey and Nicolas Pepe.
Todibo’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by France boss Didier Deschamps, who has also called up his Nice team-mate Khephren Thuram, son of Lilian and younger brother of Marcus, for a potential debut. Les Bleus kick off a new cycle with Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
Joselu
Newcastle United fans will remember the Spanish striker trying hard but ultimately failing to find the back of the net during a two-year stint at St. James’ Park. He scored just six goals in 46 Premier League appearances.
But he’s thrived since moving back to Spain. He hit double figures in three successive seasons at Alaves and has 12 La Liga goals for Espanyol in 2022-23 so far.
13 years after appearing for La Roja’s Under-21s, Joselu could soon be set to make his international debut at the age of 32. A lovely story.
Luis de la Fuente’s new-look Spain take on Norway and Scotland.
Joselu knows. #JoseluForSpain https://t.co/AlVtaoFdzb
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol_EN) March 15, 2023
Ivan Toney
The Brentford striker is the only potential debutant in Gareth Southgate’s latest Three Lions squad.
Toney was called up for the first time for England’s Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany back in September but didn’t make it onto the pitch and was then omitted from the 26-man World Cup squad.
He may soon serve a ban for alleged betting offences but that didn’t effect Southgate’s decision.
“The fact is that Ivan is available for his club. There hasn’t been a trial or any…
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