Preview: How Arsenal stars could perform in Euro 2024 qualifiers
|As the international fixtures continue to take centre stage, our attention turns to Arsenal’s contingent, proudly representing their nations on the global stage.
Considering their Premier League exploits, it is unsurprising that a large contingent of Arsenal players have been called up to feature in the international fixtures.
Be it a crucial 2024 European Championship qualifier or a friendly fixture, we’ll examine how Mikel Arteta’s stars could perform on the global scene.
The headline fixture for today’s EURO 2024 qualifier round sees England take on Italy at Wembley Stadium, knowing maximum points will guarantee a place in next summer’s tournament in Germany.
The highly anticipated competition is expected to garner spectators from across the globe, and interested parties can purchase UEFA EURO 2024 tickets at Seatsnets.com to book their trip in advance.
Reuniting under the Wembley arch two years on from the gripping continental final, England will be keen to complete the double over Italy for the first time since 1949.
The Three Lions emerged victorious when both sides locked horns at the start of the qualifying campaign, winning 2-1 courtesy of goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane.
Repeating the feat will be tricky, but England will head into the mouth-watering contest brimming with confidence, considering it has been seven games since they last suffered defeat (W6, D1).
Luciano Spalletti’s side ran riot at Stadio San Nicola on Saturday, swatting aside Mediterranean minnows Malta 4-0 to retain a runner-up spot in the group.
However, they cannot afford to rest on their laurels with Ukraine breathing down their neck, sitting level on ten points, although they have played one more game than the Italians.
Having embarked on a three game unbeaten run since taking the reins, the trip to Wembley represents Spalletti’s toughest task yet, and defeat could have significant repercussions for the Euro 2020 champions.
The other international fixtures that are poised to feature Arsenal players include Malta taking on Ukraine in the other Group C fixture, with the Blue and Yellow nation heavy favourites to emerge victorious.
France and Scotland, who have already punched their tickets to Euro 2024, will also lock horns in a friendly encounter at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Wednesday’s fixtures feature Uruguay hosting Brazil in a high-stakes CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier fixture, with the Selecao looking to leapfrog Argentina in first place.
The international friendlies will see Mexico host Euro 2024 hosts Germany, while the United States take on Ghana at Geodis Park.
How Arsenal stars could perform
England v Italy – Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice
With an embarrassment of talents in the goalkeeping department, Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale has barely been given the nod between the sticks on England duty.
The 25-year-old is yet to feature in the Euro qualifier campaign, with Southgate favouring Jordan Pickford and Sam Johnstone.
That trend is likely to continue when Italy arrive at Wembley. But unlike his club teammate, Rice will expect to be one of the first names on Southgate’s team sheet for the high-stakes fixture.
The Arsenal record signing has featured in every qualifier fixture for England thus far and will be tasked with anchoring the midfield against Italy.
Rice has just one goal in the qualifying campaign, but his underlying numbers underscore why he is considered a vital cog in the Three Lions midfield.
He has established himself as a commanding force in midfield, recording 1.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per match with a 50% success rate in ground battles.
The former West Ham captain averages 6.6 ball recoveries in the tournament, which is unsurprising considering he is famous for his ability to break up opposition play.
Rice performing at his characteristically high level could be England’s key to winning the midfield battle, which will be vital against an Italy side gunning for retribution.
Bukayo Saka will continue his recovery from injury and may not be risked. But Eddie Nketiah will sit out the Italy fixture, with Southgate only allowed to name a matchday squad of 23 players.
Malta v Ukraine – Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been crucial to Ukraine’s push for a place in the Euro 2024, missing just two of their six games thus far.
The Ukrainians sit third in Group C, level on points with Italy and will be hoping England emerges victorious later today while they simultaneously tear apart bottom feeders Malta.
Zinchenko has clocked up a goal and an assist. He also averages 1.2 key passes per 90 and has created one big chance.
The ex-Manchester City man features predominantly in midfield for the national team and will be looking to increase his final third tally against Malta.
France v Scotland – William Saliba
Widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world, William Saliba and France will take on Scotland in a friendly fixture with their Euro 2024 spots already secured.
Despite his performances for Arsenal, Saliba was reduced to just 17 minutes of football during the qualifier campaign but could be part of the rearguard that faces Scotland in Tuesday night’s fixture.
Saliba has been in remarkable form for the Gunners this season and will hope to translate those performances into the national team, with France keen to round up October’s international break on a high.
Uruguay v Brazil – Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli are vital cogs in Arteta’s squad, and the trio will be available to face Uruguay in Wednesday’s CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Jesus and Martinelli have barely featured for the Selecao in the tournament, averaging just 33 minutes of action between them, but will hope to play a part in the crunch clash.
Unlike his Arsenal counterparts, Gabriel has been a staple in the Brazil rearguard. He has featured in all three games, contributing a goal and an assist.
Gabriel has also created one big chance while boasting a stellar 63% success rate in ground battles. He will be keen to continue his impressive form for Brazil against Uruguay.
Mexico v Germany – Kai Havertz
Having struggled for form and confidence during his early days at the Emirates Stadium, Kai Havertz looks to be picking up a head of steam after bagging a goal and an assist in each of his last two Premier League outings.
The ex-Chelsea man was a second-half substitute in Germany’s 3-1 victory over the United States and will hope to make his way into Julian Nagelsmann’s starting XI for the Mexico trip.
A goal or assist on the international stage could be vital for Havertz, whose place in the Arsenal XI looks far from secured following his below-par performances.
USA v Ghana – Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey will play a part in Ghana’s friendly fixture against the United States as the Arsenal man continues to build up his fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Partey was decent in Ghana’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico last time out, but the Ghana captain will be eager to rediscover his form against the USA to bolster his chances of regaining his first team berth at Arsenal.