Manchester United will be keen to sign off for the opening international break of the 2023/24 season with a positive result at fierce Premier League rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
A substantial portion of Erik ten Hag’s squad will be on international duty over the next fortnight as we look at the players expected to represent their countries during the September international break.
England
As justifiably questioned in BBC’s latest update, England boss Gareth Southgate could be stretching loyalty too far.
While the national team’s door remains closed for underperforming Man United winger Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire remains one of Southgate’s favourites.
Despite his Old Trafford struggle and a busted summer transfer to West Ham United, the error-prone defender has made the cut for the Three Lions’ upcoming matches against Ukraine and Scotland.
Marcus Rashford is also part of Southgate’s squad that will be eager to build on a flawless four-game winning start to their 2024 European Championship qualifying Group C campaign against the Ukrainians.
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount will stay at Carrington to continue their recovery from injuries.
Argentina
Defending world champions Argentina commence their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ecuador (H) and Bolivia (A), with Lisandro Martinez expected to retain a prominent role in Lionel Scaloni’s set-up.
Brazil
Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers get underway with a routine-looking home clash against South American minnows Bolivia before a day-two trip to Peru.
Caretaker Selecao manager Fernando Diniz will rely on Antony and Casemiro to inspire the record-time world champions to another flying qualifying start.
Portugal
Bruno Fernandes remains equally indispensable to Portugal as he is to Man United.
Diogo Dalot’s international career is safe despite being in and out of Ten Hag’s squad at the start of the new season.
After a phenomenal four-game winning start to their Euro qualifying campaign, highlighted by a 14-0 aggregate score, Roberto Martinez’s high-flyers take on Slovakia (A) and Luxembourg (H) this month.
Other call-ups
Christian Eriksen is still Denmark’s driving force in the midfield. He will be part of Kasper Hjulmand’s side to meet San Marino (H) and Finland (A).
Victor Lindelof will captain Sweden against Estonia (A) and Austria (H), while Andre Onana should be between the sticks for Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi.
New arrival Sofyan Amrabat should pull the strings in Morocco’s midfield in a pair of home encounters against Liberia and Burkina Faso.
