The first international break since the World Cup begins this week as national teams begin their 2024 European Championship qualifying campaigns.
Here are our top five players to watch.
Ivan Toney
After missing out on a place in England’s 26-man squad for last winter’s World Cup, Ivan Toney has been called up by Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine this week.
The 27-year-old Brentford striker has bagged 16 goals in 25 Premier League games this season and his stellar form made it impossible for Southgate to overlook him.
Toney’s call-up comes despite a potential ban looming over his head after pleading guilty to multiple charges of FA betting rules.
In his latest press conference, Southgate said: “The fact is he is playing and is available for his club – there hasn’t been a trial or any judgement, so I don’t know on what basis we wouldn’t pick him.”
Mateo Retegui
Roberto Mancini somewhat surprisingly named Argentina-born forward Mateo Retegui in his Italy squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and Malta this week.
The Tigre striker who is on loan from Boca Juniors has scored six goals in eight games in Argentina’s top flight this season and bagged 23 goals in all competitions last season.
The 23-year-old has previously represented Argentina at youth level but has never been selected for the senior side.
Retegui has Italian citizenship through his maternal grandmother and was quick to accept Mancini’s approach.
Italy boss Roberto Mancini told DAZN: “We’ve been following him for some time. He’s young. He’s been a regular for two years in the Argentine championship.
“He has qualities that we unfortunately lack. We thought he didn’t want to come, but he immediately said yes and we called him up.”
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Roberto Martinez’s first Portugal squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg.
Ronaldo moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in January after falling out of favour at Manchester United earlier this season.
The 38-year-old has enjoyed a prolific start to life in Saudi Arabia having netted nine goals for his new side.
He said: “I feel happy with Portugal. It feels like it’s my first call-up again. Retirement? I don’t want to be the one to throw in the towel. I can still help.”
Joselu
Former Newcastle United striker Joselu is a somewhat surprise inclusion in the 26-man squad released by newly-appointed Spain boss Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland.
Joselu has enjoyed a solid season in front of goal for Espanyol having bagged 12 league goals in 22 games.
Only Robert Lewandowski and Enes Unal have scored more goals than him in La Liga this season.
At 32 years and 363 days, Joselu would become the oldest player to make his debut for Spain since 2006 if he manages to get on the pitch.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Sweden’s all-time top goalscorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has received a call-up for Sweden’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan.
Ibrahimovic returned from a serious knee injury last month after facing nine months on the sidelines.
The AC Milan striker scored a penalty in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Udinese last weekend to become the oldest goalscorer in Serie A history at 41 years and 166 days old.
Ibrahimovic said: “I have been in contact with coach Janne Andersson throughout the whole time, both during the injury and during the rehabilitation.
“Janne called me several times and asked me how the situation was, and I answered all his questions. If I feel good, I will play and if I feel good, I will be there.”
