The newly started league campaigns will now take the backseat as the first International Break of 21/22 occurs. Manchester United players have defeated Wolves in their previous match and thus, are going into the break much elated.
FIFA World Cup 2022 is will take place in Qatar. With only 14 months left, the World cup qualifiers have started and the groups are taking shape. As always, many Manchester United players have been called up for international duty. This includes the new signings as well – Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Here is a complete list of players who have embarked on International Duty for the World Cup qualifiers:
Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw (England)
Jesse Lingard is also selected for the qualifiers after he missed a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euros 2020. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Jadon Sancho featured in the Euro 2020 finals as the Three Lions fought against Italy.
England currently lead Group I by two points from Hungary and if they stretch their 100 per cent record into October, they will reach their 7th consecutive World Cup finals.
Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial (France)
Didier Deschamps had yet again selected Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Anthony Martial also got a call, after he picked up a knee injury during a 2-0 win in Kazakhstan. The Les Bleus will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. Clashes with second-placed Ukraine and Euro 2020 participants Finland will follow.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Portugal will be starting against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. Cristiano will captain the team first time as a Manchester United player.
Ronaldo is also currently at the top of the all-time men’s international goalscoring list with Iran’s Ali Daei, but will move out on his own should he find the net in the upcoming match. Further opportunities follow against Qatar (in a friendly) and Azerbaijan.
Bruno Fernandes will also appear in the upcoming international matches after having a great start in the Premier League season. The Portuguese Magnifico last scored a hattrick against Leeds United in the opening fixture.
The Euro 2016 winners are currently deadlocked with Serbia at the top of Group A on seven points apiece, with three games played.
David De Gea (Spain)
Luis Enrique’s selected David De Gea in his squad for upcoming games against Sweden, Georgia and Kosovo. Unai Simon was the first choice at the Euros but has featured just once for his club side since returning from Olympics duty at the beginning of August. Spain lead Sweden by a point in Group B, having played a game more.
David De Gea had a great start to the season as he made a double save against Manchester United’s last face off against Wolves which gave them the win. With his current form, he can make an impact in the qualifiers as Spain eye the upcoming World Cup.
Victor Lindelof (Sweden)
Janne Andersson’s side will be led by new captain Victor Lindelof. He was appointed as the new captain of the Swedish team on 11th of August 2021, succeeding Andreas Granqvist.
James Anderson’s side will first play against Spain, before clashes with Uzbekistan (in a friendly) and then against Greece.
Sweden have not reached just two major tournaments this century. The early wins over Georgia and Kosovo stand them in good stead to at least make the play-offs from Group B.
Eric Bailly (Ivory Coast)
Eric Bailly will solely represent Manchester United as the second round of World Cup qualifiers in Africa begins this week.
The Manchester United No. 3 will join his team-mates in a match against Cameroon on 6th September and only one side will progress.
Dylan Levitt (Wales)
Dylan Levitt, currently on loan to Dundee United, has retained his place in Robert Page’s squad after the Euros. The Manchester United youngster will first faceoff against Finland in a friendly. The Dragon would then have a go against other nations of group E.
They will be looking for maximum points to boost their chances of progressing from Group E and qualifying for a first World Cup since 1958.
