Ten Foals are currently away on international duty for their native countries. Both Germany and Switzerland made a successful start to their World Cup qualifying campaign yesterday, while Austria drew with Scotland.
Germany
Matthias Ginter started for Germany as they got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start with a 3-0 victory over Iceland. Leon Goretzka and Kai Havertz gave the Germans a very early 2-0 lead after finishing off flowing attacks (3’, 7’), before Ilkay Gündogan sealed a confident win for Germany in the 56th minute. Florian Neuhaus came off the bench to replace for Leon Goretzka in the 71st minute, while Jonas Hofmann was unable to play after returning a positive COVID-19 test result ahead of kick-off. Following this successful start, Germany face Romania in Bucharest on Sunday at 20:45 CET.
Switzerland
Three Foals were in the starting XI as the Swiss team beat Bulgaria 3-1. With Yann Sommer, Nico Elvedi and Breel Embolo on the pitch, Switzerland got off to a lightning start as they scored three within the first twelve minutes. Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a headed effort, before Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber netted (10’, 12’) to put them 3-0 ahead. Although Bulgaria pulled one back just after half time (46’), the Swiss closed out the match to get the win. Denis Zakaria was brought on off the bench with 15 minutes to go and celebrating his international comeback after more than 16 months. Switzerland's next World Cup qualifier against Lithuania is also on Sunday at 20:45 CET and will take place in St. Gallen.
Austria
Stefan Lainer started as Austria drew 2-2 with Scotland in Glasgow, however Valentino Lazaro was not in the starting XI. VfB Stuttgart’s Saša Kalajdžić netted a brace (55’, 80’) as Grant Hanley and John McGinn levelled the scores twice (71’, 85’). Lainer provided the assist for Kalajdžić’s second with a perfect cross. Next up for the Austrians is their second World Cup qualifier on Sunday at 20:45 CET in Vienna against the Faroe Islands.
Algeria
Algeria were unable to beat Zambia in the qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations as they drew 3-3, however Ramy Bensebaini did not feature due to entry regulations in Zambia that would have meant a period of quarantine for the left-back. Bensebaini will be able to play again in the second round of qualifying on Monday (21:00 CET) when Algeria play Botswana in Blida.
Republic of Ireland U21s
Conor Noß has been called up for Friday's Republic of Ireland U21s friendly at 13:00 CET against Wales U21s and is set to make his debut for the U21s. The midfielder has made three appearances for the Irish U19s so far in his career.
