{"id":1440109,"date":"2026-03-23T15:00:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1440109"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:00:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:00:39","slug":"first-international-caps-2026-players-to-watch","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/first-international-caps-2026-players-to-watch\/","title":{"rendered":"10 players pushing for first international caps this break: James Garner, Igor Thiago, Mika Godts and more"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The first international break of the year is upon us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A much-welcomed reprieve from domestic duties for some. For others, it\u2019ll be the chance to earn international recognition. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Cup<\/a> is right around the corner. Managers will have their ideal squads locked in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Players covered in this article:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-james-garner-england\" data-level=\"3\">James Garner \u2013 England<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-igor-thiago-brazil\" data-level=\"3\">Igor Thiago \u2013 Brazil<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-maxence-lacroix-france\" data-level=\"3\">Maxence Lacroix \u2013 France<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-victor-munoz-spain\" data-level=\"3\">Victor Munoz \u2013 Spain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-lennart-karl-germany\" data-level=\"3\">Lennart Karl \u2013 Germany<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-marco-palestra-italy\" data-level=\"3\">Marco Palestra \u2013 Italy<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mateus-fernandes-portugal\" data-level=\"3\">Mateus Fernandes \u2013 Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-kees-smit-netherlands\" data-level=\"3\">Kees Smit \u2013 Netherlands<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-mika-godts-belgium\" data-level=\"3\">Mika Godts \u2013 Belgium<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-harvey-vale-republic-of-ireland\" data-level=\"3\">Harvey Vale \u2013 Republic of Ireland<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even so, with looming friendlies, some have deserved the opportunity to land a first senior cap for their country. Here, we run through 10 hoping to make their first international appearance in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-james-garner-england\">James Garner \u2013 England<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everton star James Garner celebrated his England call up with a fine showing against Chelsea at the weekend. Garner registered an assist in the 3-0 triumph over the Blues. The Toffees star has shone under David Moyes. Only Joao Palhinha (96) has made more tackles than the 25-year-old (93) in the Premier League this season. A spot in the England squad was richly deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1440111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144825\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-4.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-igor-thiago-brazil\">Igor Thiago \u2013 Brazil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Igor Thiago is enjoying a superb Brentford campaign. Only Erling Haaland (22) has scored more goals than the Bees bruiser (19) in the Premier League this season. After an injury-hit debut year in London, Thiago is making up for lost time. His goalscoring exploits haven\u2019t gone unnoticed either. Indeed, he\u2019s made Carlo Ancelotti\u2019s Brazil squad for the March internationals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-maxence-lacroix-france\">Maxence Lacroix \u2013 France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maxence Lacroix is in the France squad by chance. William Saliba withdrew from Didier Deschamps\u2019 selection owing to an ankle issue despite playing the full 90 minutes in the EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester City. It\u2019s well earned for Lacroix regardless. The Frenchman is part of a Crystal Palace side that boasts the joint-third best defensive record in the Premier League.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-victor-munoz-spain\">Victor Munoz \u2013 Spain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Victor Munoz has impressed for Osasuna this season. The young Spaniard has five goals and two assists to his name having joined from Real Madrid last summer. Renowned for his driving ability, Munoz ranks joint-third for successful take ons (63) in La Liga this season. And he\u2019ll hope to have the chance to showcase this quality in looming meetings with Serbia and Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lennart-karl-germany\">Lennart Karl \u2013 Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Julian Nagelsmann was perhaps reluctant to call teenager Lennart Karl up to the Germany squad too early, the Bayern Munich star warrants a first bite of the international cherry. In a fine breakout season, Karl adjusted seamlessly to the rigours of domestic and European football. For a team of Bayern\u2019s stature, that\u2019s some going.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2>BOYLE Sports offer: Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a340 in free bets<\/h2>\r\n<p>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/boylesports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BOYLE Sports<\/a> yet? 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Min Deposit \u00a310. Min stake \u00a310. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out\/Free Bets won\u2019t apply. Account &amp; Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household &amp; IP Address only. T&amp;Cs Apply<\/em><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-marco-palestra-italy\">Marco Palestra \u2013 Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cagliari are flirting with relegation. Despite their predicament, Marco Palestra has done enough to warrant an Italy call up. The 21-year-old, who has been linked with Tottenham, has scored once and provided four assists in Serie A this season. Crucially, he\u2019s maximised the freedom down the flank. 52 completed take ons is more than any other defender and the third most overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mateus-fernandes-portugal\">Mateus Fernandes \u2013 Portugal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of West Ham\u2019s most consistent players this season. The Hammers did well to lure midfielder Mateus Fernandes to the London Stadium following Southampton\u2019s relegation. And his performances have caught the eye of Roberto Martinez. Despite his loyalty to his favoured personnel, Martinez called Fernandes up to the Portugal squad for upcoming games against Mexico and USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kees-smit-netherlands\">Kees Smit \u2013 Netherlands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having been courted by Newcastle in January, Kees Smit\u2019s stock is expected to soar before long. The Dutch midfielder, who has been likened to Spanish star Pedri, is one of the jewels in the AZ crown. The 20-year-old is creating 1.5 chances and making 1.6 tackles per 90 this season. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has previously talked Smit up. We\u2019ll soon see why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mika-godts-belgium\">Mika Godts \u2013 Belgium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remaining with the Eredivisie, Ajax have a player on their hands. Mika Godts has shone for the Dutch giants this season, scoring 14 times and providing nine assists. The 20-year-old has completed more take ons (68) than any other player in the Dutch top tier this term. We don\u2019t want to jinx Godts, but\u2026 the long-term successor for Eden Hazard?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1440112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5-32x40.jpg 32w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23145151\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-5.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-harvey-vale-republic-of-ireland\">Harvey Vale \u2013 Republic of Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, Harvey Vale left the Blues permanently last February. The 22-year-old has gone to make a name for himself with QPR. While the west London side are mired in mid-table, Vale has still impressed. And his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Republic of Ireland made waves. The youngster is in the Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifier against Czechia later this week. Could he prove the hero for the Boys in Green?<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                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class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-newcastle-vs-liverpool-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/23185616\/3FBA35F-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Newcastle vs Liverpool stats and analysis: Reds strike late to tarnish promising Jaissle debut\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-newcastle-vs-liverpool-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Newcastle vs Liverpool stats and analysis: Reds strike late to tarnish promising Jaissle debut                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-man-city-vs-bournemouth-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/23161508\/3FB8WK5-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Man City vs Bournemouth stats and analysis: Cherki changes the game to save Maresca blushes\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-man-city-vs-bournemouth-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Man City vs Bournemouth stats and analysis: Cherki changes the game to spare Maresca blushes                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                              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src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/21215146\/ArsenalCoventry210826_ID3FAWX1T-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-arsenal-vs-coventry-city-21-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Arsenal vs Coventry City stats and analysis: How Gunners handed Sky Blues &#8216;welcome to the Premier League&#8217; moment                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/guilhermemirra\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Guilherme Mirra                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">4 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The first international break of the year is upon us. A much-welcomed reprieve from domestic duties for some. For others, it\u2019ll be the chance to earn international recognition. The World Cup is right around the corner. Managers will have their ideal squads locked in. Even so, with looming friendlies, some have deserved the opportunity to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1440110,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"10 players pushing for first international caps this break, including James Garner, Igor Thiago and Mika Godts, as rising stars aim to impress on the international stage.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1440109","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>10 players pushing for first international caps this break: James Garner, Igor Thiago, Mika Godts and more | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"10 players pushing for first international caps this break, including James Garner, Igor Thiago and Mika Godts, as rising stars aim to impress on the international stage.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/first-international-caps-2026-players-to-watch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"10 players pushing for first international caps this break: James Garner, Igor Thiago, Mika Godts and more\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"10 players pushing for first international caps this break, including James Garner, Igor Thiago and Mika Godts, as rising stars aim to impress on the international stage.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/first-international-caps-2026-players-to-watch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T15:00:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/23144625\/JamesGarner23032026_3DXR1J5-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1829\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" 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