Eight players from David Moyes’ squad could represent their countries this weekend
With domestic football out of the window, Hammers fans might think they’ve got nothing to keep an eye on besides transfer rumours – not the case.
Eight players from David Moyes’ squad are set to represent their countries in the upcoming international fixtures. This comes after a hectic schedule of five games in two weeks for West Ham United, which is now on pause as international action takes precedence.
With major tournaments such as the 2024 UEFA European Championship and 2024 Copa América looming, several Hammers heroes will be vying for a spot in their respective national squads. These fixtures include friendly matches, qualifying play-offs, and Nations League knockouts.
The following eight West Ham United players could feature for their senior national sides ahead of the Club’s Premier League return away at Newcastle United on Saturday 30 March:
– Jarrod Bowen (England)
– Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)
– Dinos Mavropanos (Greece)
– Edson Alvarez (Mexico)
– Tomas Soucek (Czech Republic)
– Alphonse Areola (France)
– Nayef Aguerd (Morocco)
– Callum Marshall (Northern Ireland)
Jarrod Bowen has had an impressive run throughout the 2023/24 season with his tally of 14 goals in 28 Premier League games placing him joint-fifth in the race for the Golden Boot.
His recent hat-trick against SC Freiburg made him West Ham’s record European scorer. England boss Gareth Southgate has recognized this form by including Bowen in his Three Lions squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Lucas Paquetá is set to add to his tally of senior caps this month after missing six opening FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injury. He returns just in time for Brazil’s friendly against England and a subsequent match against Spain in Madrid.
Dinos Mavropanos is set to be the first member of David Moyes’ squad to feature this week, with Greece scheduled to host Kazakhstan in the 2024 UEFA European Championship qualifying play-off semi-finals. If they beat Kazakhstan, Greece will then play either Georgia or Luxembourg for a spot in the finals.
Edson Álvarez is involved in the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League Finals in the USA. His Mexico side takes on Panama in their semi-final, and depending on that result, they will participate either in the final or third-place play-off.
Tomas Soucek, captain of the Czech Republic, aims to increase his tally of 66 caps with friendlies against Norway and Armenia.
Alphonse Areola has been included in France’s squad for matches against Germany and Chile after an impressive season with West Ham United.
Nayef Aguerd is set to represent Morocco for two friendlies against Angola and Mauritania held at home ground Agadir.
Finally, Callum Marshall – currently on loan at EFL Championship heavyweights West Bromwich Albion – hopes to add more senior Northern Ireland caps during friendlies away at Romania and Scotland.
This international break provides an excellent opportunity for these players not only to represent their countries but also to stake their claim for a place ahead of major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and Copa América 2024.
By: Craig Resnik-Hanson, Sports Journalist
Image Source: unsplash.com
