Internationals
Euro 2020: Breakout Players to Watch
International football competitions often provide young up and coming players with the launchpad they need to cement their place in footballing history. The FIFA World Cup in 2018 showcased the talents of many rising stars, including Benjamin Pavard (France), Juan Quintero (Columbia) and Hirving Lozano (Mexico). All of these players and more were influential in the success of their national teams and many were rewarded for their efforts with transfers to major clubs within their home countries following the tournament.
The European Cup is the second most watched international football tournament after the World Cup, and the latest competitionis taking place from the 11th of June until the 11th of July 2021. No doubt all football punters throughout Europe will be keen to back the favourites throughout the tournament, with England fans reviewing odds via bookmakers, Germany fans checking the latest sportwetten online, and Sweden football fans keeping up to date with Allsvenskan idag. Football betting is often influenced by newcomers and younger players who have the potential to shake things up and bring teams recognition and success. There are many bright young things that have been selected to play for their countries that have the potential to make game-changing moves and solidify their places as star players for many years to come.
Alessandro Bastoni (Italy)
The 22-year old Alessandro Bastoni comes to Italy hot on the heels of a great season with Inter Milan, where he has firmly established himself as an integral part of a strong defence. Bastoni has big shoes to fil in terms of the national team, with defenders such as Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini to live up to, However, his performance throughout the previous season has been strong. Antonio Conte integrated the young Bastoni into the first team in the 2019/2020 season, where he was quick to form a good working relationship with his colleagues, resulting in one of the recognised best defences in the whole of Italy.
Yusuf Yazici (Turkey)
Yusuf Yazici comes to the Turkish national team at the age of 24, having been playing for Lille throughout the season. The left-footed player Yazici shows a lot of promise as either a striker or attacking midfielder, already known for his long-distance aim and well-timed runs. Yazici debuted for Turkey’s senior team in 2017, aged just 20, and has been selected to play for his country no less than 32 times since.
Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium)
The Belgium national team has a recent history of performing relatively well in international tournaments but without much to show for their efforts. Part of their plan to hopefully improve on this in Euro 2020 involves one of Manchester City’s key playmakers, Kevin de Bruyne. De Bruyne may not be technically classed as a rising star – at the age of 29, he is already fairly well established. However, he is most definitely one to watch. Injuries may keep him out of the earlier rounds but, should Belgium make it to the later stages of the tournament, de Bruyne should be there to help improve their chances of winning.
Denis Zakaria (Switzerland)
Denis Zakaria has been one of the stand-out players of the previous season in the Bundesliga. Not yet 25 years old, Zakaria has drawn the attention of several Premier League giants during his time at Borussia Monchengladbach, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City all showing an interest. His selection for the Swiss national squad could provide Zakaria with the platform he needs to truly make his mark on the international landscape.
Ethan Ampadu (Wales)
Ethan Ampadu experienced his first taste of top-flight football in the UK in the 2020/2021 season, on loan to Sheffield United from Chelsea. Now selected to play for Wales, Ampadu could see more Premiership clubs battling for him in upcoming seasons if he lives up to his promise. The young Ampadu first experienced pre-tournament excitement at Euro 2016, although he had to leave to take his GCSEs before the competition got properly underway. Returning to the squad five years older and free from exam commitments, it is possible that the youngster will make his mark for Wales and increase his value for Chelsea or any other club that signs him in the future.
Phil Foden (England)
The 20-year old Phil Foden makes his debut for England at Euro 2020, having become a regular starter for top-flight club Manchester City. Despite his tender age, Foden has already been instrumental in the winning of three Premier League titles. His international debut will take place alongside his partner in crime, Raheem Sterling. The duo has a complementary style that has seen Manchester City perform well, so England will be hoping this translates to the tournament pitches and drives the team to success. With starting odds of 5/1, England are second-favourite to win Euro 2020. Foden could well prove to be the key to ensuring England’s first Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens.
While no one single player can ensure victory, there are many that are prime forces for good within their national teams, inspiring and motivating other players to push past their best and play spectacularly. Those listed above are just a handful of the young players that will make the tournament entertaining for all fans, no matter who is ultimately victorious.
Arsenal Dragon
England Name Arsenal Duo Jessie Gale and Cecily Wellesley-Smith For Under-20 Women’s World Cup as Squad Takes Shape Despite Notable Omissions
Lydia Bedford has announced her England Under-20 Women’s World Cup squad for Poland’s September tournament, establishing strong representation despite notable absences from elite club systems.
Arsenal’s dual selection of striker Jessie Gale from Newcastle loan and centre-back Cecily Wellesley-Smith from Rosengård loan establishes meaningful youth international contribution, though several established prospects remain unavailable through club retention or injury circumstances.
Bedford’s squad construction balances established domestic talent with elite international player development, suggesting realistic championship contention pathway. The squad’s combination of elite academy products alongside North American collegiate talent establishes comprehensive competitive foundation supporting England’s tournament objectives throughout their demanding group stage schedule.
Club Retention Constraints Create Notable Squad Availability Challenges
Vivienne Lia’s Eintracht Frankfurt absence combined with Laila Harbert’s San Diego Wave non-release establishes genuine club retention conflict despite UEFA tournament regulations permitting such decisions. That retention pattern suggests elite clubs increasingly recognise Under-20 World Cup value competing against their own European commitment schedules, validating institutional investment prioritisation over youth international participation.
Those absences combined with Lexi Potter’s Chelsea retention for Champions League commitments suggest established pattern regarding club-versus-country balancing during simultaneous competitive demands.
England Construct Balanced Squad Despite Injury-Related Unavailability
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang’s ACL injury absence combined with Sophie Harwood’s training camp exclusion establishes realistic squad construction acknowledging injury realities affecting established prospects. That pragmatic approach suggests Bedford prioritised genuine availability over speculative selection, validating realistic competitive planning rather than optimistic roster construction.
This squad feels strategically important for England’s youth development trajectory. Rather than pursuing exclusively domestic-based selection, they balance established prospects alongside international loans and North American collegiate players, establishing diverse talent representation. Gale and Wellesley-Smith’s inclusion combined with their loan status suggests England recognise competitive value from expanded recruitment perspectives supporting sustainable youth international development throughout their demanding tournament schedule.
Arsenal Dragon
Caitlin Foord Marks 150th Australia Cap With Goal as Matildas Defeat Mexico in World Cup Preparation Friendly
Caitlin Foord celebrated her 150th appearance for Australia with a clinical finish as the Matildas secured a 3-1 friendly victory over Mexico on Tuesday.
Wearing the captain’s armband, the Arsenal forward demonstrated the quality that has made her one of her nation’s most reliable attacking threats, turning away from her marker with composure before placing the ball precisely into the far post.
Foord’s goal extended her tally to 41 for Australia, moving her into joint-third place on the all-time scoring list. Reaching 150 caps represents genuine longevity at international level. She has been there through transitions, rebuilds and cycles of tournament football. That consistency matters more than individual moments, though scoring on such a milestone is worth celebrating.
The friendly win came after Australia suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Saturday, prompting a response from Steph Catley’s side. Catley played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday and spoke afterwards about understanding the journey ahead towards the World Cup. That perspective is important. One friendly loss does not define a campaign. How teams respond does.
Foord’s performance underlined her value to the Matildas. At 31 years old, she remains in her prime years and should be central to any Australian World Cup challenge. Her leadership on the pitch, demonstrated through the captaincy, adds another dimension to her contribution beyond goalscoring.
The Milestone Moment
Reaching 150 caps for your country is rare. Doing it while performing at club level in the Women’s Super League shows genuine elite consistency.
The Arsenal Connection
Multiple Arsenal players were in international action across the week, spreading club quality across different nations and competitions.
Also read: Arsenal Confirm 15 Released Players Including McCabe, Mead and Pelova as Summer Exodus Takes Shape
Internationals
Joy Omewa Scores First Brace for Nigeria as Super Falcons Demolish Senegal 3-0 Before WAFCON
Joy Omewa marked her breakthrough moment for Nigeria with a decisive two-goal performance as the Super Falcons dispatched Senegal 3-0 in their final warm-up before the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Nottingham Forest striker, who joined the English club in January, showed exactly why she has emerged as one of her nation’s most promising attacking options heading into the continental championship.
Playing at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Nigeria controlled proceedings from the opening whistle but found Senegal’s disciplined defence difficult to breach. The breakthrough came in the 49th minute when Omewa rose highest to power home a header from Shukurat Oladipo’s cross. Seven minutes later, she struck again, showing composure and physicality to steal possession and finish clinically past the goalkeeper.
Asisat Oshoala added the third goal in the 66th minute as Nigeria secured a 5-1 aggregate victory across the double-header. Omewa’s performance was precisely what Justine Madugu’s coaching staff needed to see. The teenager has now recorded two goals from three appearances for the national team, a promising return that justifies her selection ahead of WAFCON.
The Perfect Timing
Scoring at this stage of the competition cycle is invaluable. Omewa has momentum heading into group matches against Egypt, Malawi, and Zambia. That confidence will matter.
The Forest Factor
Settling quickly at Nottingham Forest has clearly benefited her development. The platform the English club provides translates directly to international football at this level.
Defending Champions
Nigeria seek an 11th WAFCON title. Omewa’s emergence gives them genuine depth in attack that could prove decisive in Morocco.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal14 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines14 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal14 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”
- Arsenal14 years ago
Nike Are In A Three Way Battle For Shirt Sponsorship With Arsenal, Man United And Man City