Premier League players jetted off far and wide during the international break, with Nations League and World Cup qualification games on the menu.
Following the action, we’ve picked out five Premier League players who impressed for their nations during the break.
Enzo Fernandez
It was a dream international break for Argentina, as the world champions booked their place at next summer’s World Cup. La Albiceleste faced tough tests against Uruguay and Brazil but passed them with flying colours.
Thiago Almada’s outstanding winner saw Argentina edge Uruguay 1-0 in Montevideo, before a 4-1 dismantling of arch-rivals Brazil. Even in the absence of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez, the World Cup holders put Brazil to the sword at Estadio Monumental.
Enzo Fernandez was the star of the show, as the Chelsea midfielder scored one and created another in an advanced role. After Julian Alvarez’s early opener, he doubled the lead on 12 minutes when arriving unmarked at the back post to turn home. It was three before half-time for Argentina, as Fernandez’s delightful ball found Alexis Mac Allister free in the area.
Named as the Best Young Player at the last World Cup, Fernandez has helped ensure that Argentina will be there to defend their title in 2026.
Enzo Fernández’s game by numbers vs Brazil:
100% take-ons completed
100% tackles won
92% passing accuracy
67 touches
7 duels won
5 passes into final third
4 fouls won
2 chances created
1 assist
1 goalThe first time he’s scored and assisted in a game for Argentina. 💫 pic.twitter.com/4GpTT4bAEP
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 26, 2025
Ben Davies
Ben Davies has been a terrific servant for Wales and helped his side get their World Cup qualification campaign off to a flyer.
A goal and assist from centre-back saw Wales win 3-1 against Kazakhstan in their opener, with the Spurs centre-back scoring at a crucial time as frustration began to build.
He was solid defensively again in North Macedonia on Tuesday night as Craig Bellamy’s side rescued a last-gasp draw. Four points on the board for Wales and a platform to build on.
A goal and an assist for Ben Davies from centre-back 💪⚽️🎯 pic.twitter.com/P46lMVLDFv
— LiveScore (@livescore) March 22, 2025
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has not been quite at his creative best this season but there were signs the Arsenal captain is getting back to his best during the international break.
Odegaard recorded four assists over two games for Norway, who started their World Cup qualification campaign with emphatic victories over Israel and Moldova away from home. He helped himself to a hat-trick of assists in a 4-2 win against the former, creating eight chances in an untouchable performance.
Another assist for Alexander Sorloth arrived in the 5-0 thumping of Moldova, in a perfect start for the Norwegians who are targeting a first World Cup appearance since 1998. With talent such as Odegaard, Sorloth and a certain Erling Haaland in their ranks, now is the time for Norway’s big names to deliver.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Odegaard’s Arsenal teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly is also returning to North London with a spring in his step.
Lewis-Skelly’s meteoric rise this season resulted in a maiden England call-up this month and the left-back role in Thomas Tuchel’s side is now arguably his to lose. The 18-year-old became the youngest-ever player to score on their England debut with the opener against Albania, eclipsing Marcus Rashford.
He was impressive again as Latvia were beaten at Wembley in the second fixture, showcasing the hallmarks of a modern full-back with his ability to move inside and become a playmaker when required. Tougher tasks await, but Lewis-Skelly could be the solution to a problem position.
Chris Wood
New Zealand have booked their place at the World Cup for just the third time.
After Oceania was handed an automatic place for the first time, the All Whites saw off the competition to confirm their place at the 2026 tournament.
Chris Wood’s wonderful season continued with a hat-trick for the national side in their 7-0 win over Fiji in the semi-final. Three days later, a 3-0 win over New Caledonia sealed New Zealand’s place at the World Cup.
Chris Wood took his scoring boots on international duty 👟
The @NFFC striker added to his 18 Premier League goals with a hat-trick for New Zealand which means he now has nine goals in four games in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/dIxNBR4NIv
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 21, 2025
Wood has now extended his national record to 44 goals in 82 caps.
Read – The 10 best left-backs in the world right now
See more – Six top-class strikers set for big summer transfers
