International: SAFC stars head out on international duty

With the domestic schedule coming to a pause over the next fortnight, a number of SAFC stars from the first-team and academy will head out to represent their countries on international duty.

Here is a breakdown of who will be where and when over the next two weeks...

Callum Styles – Hungary

After their hugely successful European Championship qualifying campaign, Styles and Hungary will warm up for the summer tournament with friendly matches against Turkey and Kosovo. 

The 23-year-old, who has 18 caps to his name, looks to add more competitive minutes for the national side and book his place on the plane for Germany in Marco Rossi’s side. 

Hungary vs Turkey (Friday 22 March, 7:45pm GMT)

Hungary vs Kosovo (Tuesday 26 March, 6pm)

Trai Hume and Dan Ballard – Northern Ireland

While there will be no preparation for a summer tournament for Michael O’Neill’s side, Hume and Ballard are set further enhance their international credentials in Northern Ireland’s defence. 

Hume has ten caps whilst Ballard has 21 and the pair are set to add to those numbers with international friendlies away to Romania and Scotland. 

Hume was recently crowned as Northern Ireland's Player of the Year for 2023 in what was a significant year for the 22-year-old at international level.

Squad locked in 🔒

Michael O'Neill has announced our squad to take on Romania and Scotland 🙌🏻🟢⚪️ #GAWA pic.twitter.com/OwbiLW5E10

Romania vs Northern Ireland (Friday 22 March, 7.45pm GMT)

Scotland vs Northern Ireland (Tuesday 26 March, 7.45pm GMT)

Leo Hjelde – Norway U21s

The 20-year-old has received his latest call-up and looks set to add to his 15 caps for the U21s. 

The Netherlands and San Marino are their opponents over the next fortnight as part of international friendly matches.

Netherlands U21s vs Norway U21s (Thursday 21 March, 7pm GMT)

Norway U21s vs San Marino U21s (Tuesday 26 March, 4pm GMT)

Matthew Young – England U18s

After three clean sheets in nine appearances during his loan spell with Darlington, Young will head out with the Young Lions to play a part in the Pinatar Super Cup.

During their time out in Spain, England will play three games with Young hoping to add to his one cap he earned back in November against Mexico.

England U18s vs Czech Republic U18s (Wednesday 20 March, 1pm)

England U18s vs Germany U18s (Friday 22 March, 1pm)

England U18s vs The Netherlands U18s (Monday 25 March, 1pm)

Chris Rigg – England Under 17s

The 16-year-old will represent England’s youth side once again after appearing for the Young Lions at the U17s World Cup in Indonesia in November 2023.

England will be competing in UEFA U17 Euro Championship qualifying games as they come up against Northern Ireland, Hungary and France with all the games being played at St George’s Park, England's training centre. 

England U17s vs Northern Ireland U17s (Wednesday 20 March, 3pm)

England U17s vs Hungary U17s (Saturday 23 March, 3pm)

France U17s vs England U17s (Tuesday 26March, 3pm)

Timur Tutierov – Ukraine U19s

After earning three caps in the last round of international games and scoring his first goal for his country back in November, Tutierov has received another call-up ahead of important qualifying matches.

Ukraine will feature against North Macedonia, Latvia and Switzerland as they bid to book their place at the U19 European Championships.

North Macedonia U19s vs Ukraine U19s (Wednesday 20 March, 2pm)

Ukraine U19s vs Latvia U19s (Saturday 23 March, 2pm)

Ukraine U19s vs Switzerland U19s (Tuesday 26 March, 2pm)

Trey Ogunsuyi – Belgium U18s

The 17-year-old will head out young Red Devils hoping to add to his three caps and one goal.

As part of their training camp, Ogunsuyi will be hoping to feature across a two-legged international friendly against Wales.

Belgium U18s vs Wales U18s (Friday 22 March, 4pm)

Belgium U18s vs Wales U18s (Monday 25 March, 4pm)

 

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