Arsenal players called up for international duty

The first international break of 2024 has quietly crept up on us, cutting short the non-stop action of club football as the stars head out to represent their nations. 

Arsenal have a massive advantage this break, with only 12 players heading out to join up with their respective nations, while around 12 will stay back at Colney to keep preparing for the crucial run-in.

The international fixtures will serve as a dress rehearsal for the highly anticipated European Championship. Euro 2024 tickets are still on sale at seatsnet.com for those yet to book their trip to Germany.

With that out of the way, let’s delve into the international fixtures for those Arsenal representatives.

Kai Havertz (Germany)

Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz has picked up steam over the past few weeks and has been a crucial cog in Mikel Arteta’s system. 

The 24-year-old has four goals and two assists in his last six appearances for the club and hopes to carry that terrific form into Germany’s friendly matches against France (March 23) and the Netherlands (March 26).

As hosts, Germany have already booked their Euro 2024 tickets, and will be desperate to build momentum ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Bukayo Saka (England)

England are also preparing for this summer’s continental battles with friendlies against Brazil (March 23) and Belgium (March 26). 

Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka is expected to play a pivotal role for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Saka has continued to flourish this season, with 16 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. He is one of the most potent attacking weapons in Southgate’s arsenal and can be a difference-maker for the Three Lions.

Saka has been a mainstay in England’s recent XIs, and that trend will likely continue even in the summer, considering his impeccable form.

Martin Odegaard (Norway)

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard recently helped launch Norway’s new gorgeous kit ahead of Euro 2024, but there is one small problem. The Scandinavian nation will not be at the summer showpiece in Germany.

A shambolic qualifying campaign saw them fail to clinch a spot. However, this break is an opportunity for the group to galvanise themselves and return stronger, starting with friendlies against the Czech Republic (March 22) and Slovakia (March 26). 

Norway captain Odegaard has been providing the magic for Arsenal’s stunning performances. He will be tasked with leading the resurgence, especially as Manchester City forward Erling Braut Haaland pulled up in training.

William Saliba (France)

The fact that William Saliba gets into this astonishingly stacked Les Bleus squad speaks volumes about his immense talent, and the 22-year-old should earn his 13th cap when France take on Germany and Chile (March 26) in the coming days.

Saliba has been crucial to Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League challenge, helping to keep 15 clean sheets across both competitions.

The former Saint-Etienne man has to be one of the shoo-ins for Euro 2024. It might be only his first international tournament, but it should mark the beginning of what will likely be a long and successful international career.

Jakub Kiwior (Poland)

Following an injury to Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior has deputised adeptly for the Ukrainian at left-back. 

Kiwior has been defensively solid and more involved in the attacking side of the full-back job in recent weeks. There is still massive room for improvement, but he is proving himself a vital asset for the Gunners.

Kiwior can carry that form and positivity to Poland as they prepare to face Estonia to see if they can book their spot at Euro 2024. 

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Ukraine)

Zinchenko just returned from an injury lay-off, but that did not stop Ukraine head coach Serhiy Rebrov from naming him in his squad in preparation for their crucial showdown against Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 21 for a place at Euro 2024.

Zinchenko will need to put his fitness concerns behind him and play a crucial role in helping Ukraine book their place in Germany this summer.

Declan Rice (England)

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been a terrific lynchpin in the centre since his summer move from West Ham United and is one of the first names on Southgate’s England team sheets. 

Rice is expected to anchor England’s midfield when they face Brazil and Belgium this international break. He is also one of the mainstays of the XI, so his spot at Euro 2024 is practically guaranteed. 

Aaron Ramsdale (England)

Joining Rice and Saka in the England camp is Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale, who has found himself on the bench for most of the season behind Arteta’s number one David Raya.

Ramsdale may also find it difficult to break into the England XI despite the absence of Nick Pope. He is fighting for a shirt with Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone.

The Premier League pair have the advantage of being starters at their respective clubs. It will give them the edge in the pecking order ahead of Ramsdale, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates in search of game time.

Ramsdale could potentially lose his spot for Euro 2024 if Pope returns to action for Newcastle United before the end of the season.

Leandro Trossard (Belgium)

Arsenal’s Mr Clutch Leandro Trossard will be in action for Belgium as they play Ireland (March 23) and England (March 26).

Trossard and the Red Devils have secured a spot in Euro 2024 Group E alongside Slovakia and Romania. They await a final team to join them in the group.

Trossard scored the crucial goal that brought the Gunners back into the Champions League tie against FC Porto and will be hoping to also play a key role for his national team over the next week.

David Raya (Spain)

Raya has locked down a spot as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper but may find it harder to usurp Unai Simon in the Spain set-up ahead of Euro 2024. 

Simon seems to have the trust of Luis de la Fuente, but the Spanish manager may be tempted to give Raya, who leads the Premier League with the most clean sheets (nine), a shot. 

Raya is better with his foot, but Simon is sturdy between the sticks. The fight for supremacy between the pair will be one to keep an eye on.

Jorginho (Italy)

Italy face a pair of South American foes in Venezuela and Ecuador as they prepare to defend their title on the German front.

As usual, Jorginho will anchor Italy’s midfield as the sleeping giants look to arise once more for the continental duel. 

Jorginho will play a pivotal role in Luciano Spaletti’s Azzurri team as they look to claim the crown for the third time in their history.

Mohammed Elneny (Egypt)

The Pharaohs have World Cup qualifiers coming later in June but must first navigate a preparatory friendly game against New Zealand.

Elneny has been a mainstay in the Egypt XI for years and should keep his spot when they face the All Whites on March 22.