Nine call-ups who have a point to prove for their national teams

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It’s the international break, which means attention will turn from club to country over the next 10 days or so.

While we’re certain to be treated to an array of entertaining fixtures, there is plenty of pressure on some of the players who have been called up.

Indeed, many have a point to prove, whether that’s because they are playing international football for the first time in a while, they have received their first call-up, or they are at risk of losing their place in the squad.

Here are nine players in those situations.

Moussa Sissoko

France

Moussa Sissoko played a key role in France’s journey to the Euro 2016 final, which tempted Tottenham to part ways with £30 million to sign him from Newcastle United that summer. For the most part over the last two years, the midfielder has completely failed to replicate the form that saw him become a Les Bleus regular, for France or Spurs.

However, those who have watched Sissoko’s recent performances won’t be surprised to see the 29-year-back back in the France squad. He has been excellent for Tottenham in recent weeks. Now he must prove he is good enough to be regularly selected for his country, and that starts with games against the Netherlands and Uruguay.

Michael Keane

Everton

Much like Sissoko, Michael Keane made a big money move only to endure a difficult first season at his new club, Everton. Having been tipped as a future England regular following his impressive displays for Burnley, the defender struggled under three different managers for Everton last season, almost ending his international career in the process.

But Keane is now back in the Three Lions picture courtesy of his improved club form. He has formed an impressive partnership with Kurt Zouma for the Toffees this term, and the similarity in style between Marco Silva and Gareth Southgate should stand him in good stead for England. Keane will be desperate for the chance to prove himself against the USA or Croatia.

Erik Lamela

Argentina

It’s taken five years, but Erik Lamela finally looks settled at Tottenham. That he’s been inconsistent for so long is no fault of his own. The Argentinian has struggled with constant injuries since arriving in England; he underwent double hip surgery last year and missed 13 months of action. Now close to full fitness, he’s scored six goals in 13 matches for Spurs this season.

His form has earned him a recall to the Argentina squad. Lamela’s inclusion for his country used to always feel like he was making up the numbers, but now there is a real chance he could be utilised meaningfully. With no Lionel Messi in the group, Lamela could provide a viable alternative to the Barcelona superstar against Mexico this weekend.

Callum Wilson

England

With six goals and five assists in 12 Premier League matches for Bournemouth so far this season, Callum Wilson has more than earned his first call-up to the senior England squad. The 26-year-old has worked hard to come back from two serious knee injuries over recent years, injuries that appear to be having no effect on his ability to score goals.

Thursday’s friendly against the USA could be the perfect opportunity for Southgate to try out Wilson. All eyes will be on Wayne Rooney, and Harry Kane can be given a rest for at least a portion of the game. If Wilson finds the net, he could give himself an early chance of being involved at Euro 2020.

Paulo Gazzaniga

Argentina

There is a pattern emerging here. Paulo Gazzaniga is the third Tottenham player on our list. Spurs have suffered so many injuries this season that a number of fringe players are being handed opportunities they wouldn’t usually receive. Gazzaniga has taken advantage of injuries to Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm to play himself into form.

The former Southampton goalkeeper appears to have overtaken Vorm as Tottenham’s second-choice goalkeeper, and he now has the chance to fight for the number one spot for Argentina. He has played more football than Willy Caballero and Sergio Romero this term. If thrown in against Mexico, Gazzaniga simply can’t afford to slip up.

John Stones

England

John Stones has arguably been the most consistent centre-back in the Premier League this season. His partnership with Aymeric Laporte looks rock solid, and he has been his usual confident self in possession, making him the perfect option for both Guardiola’s Manchester City and Southgate’s England.

That said, Stones has never quite established himself as a guaranteed starter for the Three Lions. Yes, he was a fixture in the back three at the World Cup, but a centre-back slot has been lost since the change to four at the back. Stones must now make sure to replicate his club form and keep the likes of Joe Gomez and Michael Keane at bay.

Olivier Giroud

France

Before his goal against BATE Barisov last week, Olivier Giroud had gone 794 minutes without finding the net for Chelsea. And despite winning the World Cup over the summer, Giroud failed to score a single goal for France in Russia. He can’t seem to nail down a starting spot at Chelsea ahead of the inconsistent Alvaro Morata, yet he is always in the France first XI – why is that?

A lack of other options has certainly helped Giroud’s cause, but the re-emergence of Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette has finally put pressure on the Chelsea man. Luckily for him, Martial and Lacazette both pulled out of the current squad with injuries. But if Giroud doesn’t have a good international break, there are clearly players waiting to take his place.

Juan Foyth

Argentina

Juan Foyth has been through the full gamut of emotions over the last couple of weeks. He made his Premier League debut for Tottenham against Wolves and, despite otherwise playing quite well, gave away two penalties. He then scored the winning goal in Spurs’ victory at Crystal Palace, putting in an excellent all-round performance in the process.

Even before his league debut, the 20-year-old had received a senior international call-up, which is perhaps indicative of the lack of defensive options Argentina currently possess. But there’s now a chance he could genuinely play a part for his country. The question is: can Foyth prove his recent performances haven’t just been a flash in the pan?

Jordi Alba

Spain

After twice being overlooked by Spain manager Luis Enrique, Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has finally returned to the Spain squad. There have been suggestions the two didn’t see eye-to-eye during their time together at the Nou Camp, and those claims were intensified by Enrique’s decision to leave Alba out of recent international squads.

But Alba is now back in the picture having found form for Barcelona. “Neither of us need to apologise for anything,” said the left-back, according to Marca, when asked about his reportedly strained relationship with Enrique. That said, Alba’s omission from recent squads shows he must do more than usual to keep his place in the side.

The post Nine call-ups who have a point to prove for their national teams appeared first on Squawka News.



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