Leicester City internationals recap

We’ve come a long way from the days when one or two international call-ups were the most we could expect for Leicester City. A dozen members of the senior squad saw action for their countries during the first half of the first international break of the season. Let’s see how they fared!

Jamie Vardy came on as a second-half substitute during England’s wildly-flattering 4-0 win over Malta. The former Fleetwood Town man brought some much needed urgency to the England attack. Harry Maguire failed to make the bench, but could be in line for his first cap on Monday. It’s nothing to do with the City players, but watching England struggle for 70 minutes to break down Malta was one of the most painful (and familiar) things I’ve seen lately. There’s so much pace in the side, but the midfield insist on walking the ball forward before starting the attack, letting opponents set up defensively. It seems like the only people who can really shackle Vardy are the England managers.

The Foxes’ longest-serving player matched up against our newest addition when Austria faced off against Wales. Leicester legend Andy King came on at the start of the second half for Wales, earning his 40th cap. Kingy became Leicester’s most-capped player, eclipsing John O’Neill’s record of 39. Aleksandar Dragovic played the full match for Austria, who were on the losing side of a 1-0 result.

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Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Three Foxes were in action for Nigeria as the Super Eagles brushed aside the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon 4-0. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi played the entire match and is fast becoming a key man for his country. Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench on 61 minutes and found the back of the net ten minutes later. Ahmed Musa entered the game late, finishing out the final ten minutes.

Islam Slimani played the entire 90 minutes in Algeria’s 3-1 defeat to Zambia. Riyad Mahrez did not feature after leaving the squad in an attempt to find a new club before the transfer window closed. Daniel Amartey played the full 90 minutes for Ghana as they suffered a shock draw against the Congo.

Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark saw off a dangerous Poland side 4-0. The former Leeds netminder played the entire match, earning a clean sheet. Shinji Okazaki came on as a late substitute in Japan’s 1-0 victory over Australia.

Ben Chilwell played the full 90 as the England U21s drew the Netherlands 1-1. Demarai Gray came on after 72 minutes to press the attack, but Aidy Boothroyd’s men were unable to find the winning goal.

He’s not yet in the senior squad, but Darnell Johnson showed why he’s one of City’s brightest prospects in the England U20s 3-0 win over Holland. Not only did he play the entire match and help keep the Netherlands team scoreless, he chipped in with a goal as well. One for the future to be sure.

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

The best news for the Foxes? There are no reports of injuries at this time. Hopefully, City’s international stars will shine in the second round of matches and return home healthy and ready to face Chelsea next weekend.