Ahead of the international break, we look at some of the Stoke City players representing their countries.
Jack Butland
The Stoke City goalkeeper might be Stoke City’s first choice but for England, he is the backup for Jordan Pickford. For Stoke City fans who’ve been champing for Butland to be first-choice for a long time, he has the opportunity to impress Gareth Southgate in the Three Lions friendly against USA in which Wayne Rooney will earn his 120th and final cap for England. Butland certainly has the ability shot-stopping wise to be first-choice for England but Southgate rates Pickford as being more comfortable with the ball at his feet. On a memorable night, Butland will hope to make it extra special for himself by letting his hands show just why he deserves to be the first choice for England.
Ashley Williams and Joe Allen
Both Welshman will part in Wales crucial League of Nations match against Denmark Williams in his past few matches for Stoke has started to look more defensively sound and as a result, Stoke City’s defence seems less porous, the centre-back will hope to carry that form against a dangerous Danish team possessing Christian Eriksen. Joe Allen has been the metronome in the Stoke City midfield and has certainly been Rowett’s lieutenant on the field, playing in every single Championship match so far, its no wonder that he is attracting interest from the likes of Bournemouth. Against Denmark, Allen will hope to show his quality against high-class opponents, his duel with Thomas Delaney will certainly be entertaining.
Peter Etebo
Fresh off his first start for Stoke City, Peter Etebo certainly will have wished that the international break came just a tad later. While the young Nigerian is just breaking into Stoke City’s first team, he has long been an integral part of Nigeria’s first team.
James McClean
Fresh off a hard week with criticism coming from all directions and being fined by the FA, an international break normally would be quite refreshing for a player in a similar situation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get easier for McClean, with Ireland facing bitter rivals Northern Ireland. The hard-working winger will certainly get some stick from portions of Northern Irish supporters, hopefully, through his own supporters won’t boo him.