International Call-Ups for Manchester City Players
As the international football calendar heats up, 12 players from Manchester City’s squad have received call-ups to represent their national teams. Just days after a demanding season concluded, Pep Guardiola’s team is preparing for a busy schedule that includes a series of crucial matches leading up to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Upcoming Matches
The upcoming two weeks will see City’s stars compete in World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League matches, and friendly games set to take place in the U.S. The action will occur immediately before City reconvenes at the City Football Academy in preparation for the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they are set to defend their title after winning the previous iteration held in Saudi Arabia in 2023.
In this tournament, City will face Juventus from Italy, Wydad AC of Morocco, and UAE’s Al Ain as they attempt to maintain their status as champions.
International Fixtures
The squad’s international commitments begin with key fixtures for various countries that highlight the talent within the Manchester City ranks:
- Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku will participate in World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia on June 6 and Wales on June 9.
- Croatia: Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are called to action for matches against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic on June 6 and June 9, respectively.
- England: Defender Kyle Walker will feature in World Cup qualifiers against Andorra on June 7, followed by a friendly against Senegal on June 10.
- Netherlands: Nathan Ake is set to compete against Finland and Malta on June 7 and June 10.
- Norway: Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb will represent their country in World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Estonia.
- Portugal: Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva have been called up for the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany on June 4.
- Switzerland: Manuel Akanji is scheduled for a friendly against Mexico on June 7.
- Uzbekistan: Abdukodir Khusanov will play in World Cup qualifiers against the UAE and Qatar on June 5 and June 10.
Notable Absentees
However, not all first-team players will be on international duty. Eleven members of Guardiola’s squad, including goalkeepers Ederson (Brazil) and Stefan Ortega Moreno (Germany), have not been selected. Additionally, Vitor Reis, who joined City recently, did not make Brazil’s squad despite aspirations for a senior debut. Other notable absentees include Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, and Phil Foden, who has opted for a break, prioritizing his mental and physical wellbeing.
In the attacking department, Savinho did not receive a call-up for Brazil, and Jack Grealish was also left out of England’s squad. There remains uncertainty around Rico Lewis and James McAtee‘s potential involvement in the upcoming UEFA Under-21 European Championships, as they are also being considered for the FIFA Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Omar Marmoush will enjoy time off with no matches scheduled for Egypt, and Scott Carson, Ilkay Gundogan, and John Stones face their own respective situations with either retirement or injury from international duties.
“We are ready for the upcoming challenges, and we believe our players will make us proud on the international stage.” – Pep Guardiola
