West Ham United take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this Sunday. After that several players will take their leave to represent their nations in the international break, something every player craves to do.
Whilst Nuno Espirito Santo has his team focused on staying up this season, the break could come at a good time for the team, letting some rest and recover for their return. For others, the break could see them head into high-stakes games for their country.
For three Hammers, that is exactly what is happening as they head into qualification playoffs for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the USA.
Mads Hermansen – Denmark
Mads Hermansen has returned to the Denmark set up and is expected to start in the absence of Kasper Schmeichel. The West Ham shot stopper has yet to feature for his country at senior level, despite being names in several squads over the last couple of years.
The big goalkeeper’s form in-between the Hammers sticks has helped him get back in the international set up, being chosen as the man to take over. There aren’t many players in the Irons squad who deserve a call up more.
Denmark will host North Macedonia in Copenhagen on Thursday, March 26th for a chance to face either Ireland or Czechia and Tomas Soucek for place in this summer’s tournament.
Tomas Soucek – Czechia
An ever-present, Tomas Soucek has been named in the Czechia squad for their World Cup qualifaction playoff. The 31-year-old has been in the international set up for ten years, scoring some important goals for his nation in that time.
The West Ham midfielder will know what is at stake, having played at an international tournament before, but not a World Cup, Soucek will be desperate to go one better.
Czechia take on Ireland in Prague on March 26th, for a place to face either North Macedonia or Hermansen’s Denmark. As always, Soucek will be joined in the Czechia squad by former West Ham full-back Vladimir Coufal.
Callum Marshall – Northern Ireland
Out on-loan at Bochum in Germany, Callum Marshall has been included in the Northern Ireland squad for their World Cup playoffs. The 21-year-old attacker has built on a strong loan spell with Huddersfield Town last season, netting twice in just nine games for the Bundesliga 2 team.
The West Ham youngster joins a Northern Ireland side that face a huge test, taking on Italy in Bergamo on March 26th. Should Michael O’Neill’s side prevail, they will face a trip to either Wales of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
