The first international break of 2025 is upon us as sides prepare for clashes in the Nations League and World Cup Qualifiers.
International matches always spark controversy with split opinions regarding who should be called up to represent their side on the global stage.
Thomas Tuchel has already taken a bold approach for his squad selection in the World Cup Qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Some fans were quick to make their opinions known on controversial call-ups for Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, as well as omissions of Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Tottenham’s Djed Spence.
Despite that, there is a degree of optimism going into the round of fixtures, as Tuchel’s selection included Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Carabao Cup winner Dan Burn and Burnley’s James Trafford, all of whom could make their first appearances.
Here, Mail Sport takes you through some of the other international debutants that you need to keep an eye on in this international break from the rest of Europe’s heavyweights.
Thomas Tuchel has named his squad for his first international break as England’s manager
Myles Lewis-Skelly (middle) is one of three stars who is in line to make their Three Lions debut
The inclusion of Ajax veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson (left) caused a split in opinion
Desire Doue – France & PSG
French football has a new 19-year-old talent on their hands in the form of Desire Doue of PSG, set to make his international debut for Les Bleus in the coming games – and he is already drawing comparisons with Kylian Mbappe.
Blessed with speed, dribbling and exceptional one-on-one abilities, his tally of seven goals and 11 assists is superb for a player so young, with Doue one of only three players to create 10+ big chances in Europe’s top five leagues in 2025.
The versatile winger has left his mark on PSG this season, netting in the Champions League last-16 penalty shootout against Liverpool, leaving French fans excited for his imminent impact.
Yann Bisseck – Germany & Inter Milan
Following in Germany’s first-choice centre back Antonio Rudiger’s footsteps, Bisseck has forged a name for himself in Italy with Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old towers at 6ft 5in, establishing himself as a dominant force in Serie A, despite his relative youth for a top-level central defender.
Bisseck’s career has seen him play across Germany, Portugal and The Netherlands, providing the pacey defender with vital playing experience, setting him up nicely for a potential first appearance for Germany.
Desire Doue has been compared to Kylian Mbappe thanks to his speed and dribbling abilities
Inter Milan’s 6ft 5in defender Yann Bisseck has earned himself a call-up for Germany
Stefan Ortega – Germany & Manchester City
At 32 years of age, Ortega is yet to win his first cap for his national team and will be fighting for the No 1 jersey with Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann and Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel.
The German has managed to oust his Manchester City team-mate Ederson from between the sticks on numerous occasions this term, showing he has got more than what it takes to win his first cap in the absence of injured great Manuel Neuer.
Ortega will be eager to push to start against Italy in the Nations League quarter finals across the two legs.
Cesare Casadei – Italy & Torino
Former Chelsea flop Casadei is in line to claim his first cap for Italy after being called up by Luciano Spalletti, having seemingly re-found himself in northern Italy. Now he will be keen to show the Blues just what they let slip.
The 22-year-old joined Chelsea back in 2022 from Inter Milan but struggled to ever force his way into the starting team, as spells at Reading and Leicester saw him rack up only 495 minutes for the Blues before departing over the summer.
Back in his home country, Casadei has played 11 times, scoring once and assisting another, suffering defeat just once since forcing his way into the first team at the start of the year.
Stefan Ortega has already usurped Ederson in goal for Man City but is yet to play for Germany
Cesare Casadei seems to have rediscovered his talents at Torino after departing Chelsea
Dean Huijsen – Spain & Bournemouth
Called up from the U21 squad after injuries in the first team, Bournemouth’s breakout star will be keen to get his first appearance against The Netherlands on Wednesday evening.
Coincidentally born in Amsterdam, Huijsen has become one of the hottest defensive talents in Europe this season, attracting the attention of Real Madrid and other European heavyweights.
Huijsen’s £50m release clause will certainly attract buyers in the summer after an exceptional first season in England. A debut for his nation will only add to his rising stock, looking to build upon his 27 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries this season.
Geovany Quenda – Portugal & Sporting Clube
Chelsea bound teenage talent Quenda is still looking for his debut for Portugal despite being called up by Roberto Martinez last year, off the back of his awesome rise through the ranks.
The Blues hijacked Manchester United’s pursuit of the rapid winger for a fee around £40m, stopping Ruben Amorim reuniting with his former Sporting youth star.
Quenda’s dynamism is similar to that of Man City’s Jeremy Doku, and the teenager is the third-most successful dribbler in Liga Portugal, so expect him to trouble the Danish defence in the Nations League if called upon.
Dean Huijsen is reportedly leading Real Madrid’s shortlist after his first senior call-up for Spain
Geovany Quenda is set for Chelsea in a deal worth £40million – he will join in 2026
Youri Baas – The Netherlands & Ajax
Dutch regular Denzel Dumfries’ withdrawal has paved the way for the call up of Ajax’s promising centre back, who plays alongside the controversially recalled Jordan Henderson.
The 22-year-old has progressed through the Ajax youth setup, displaying traits and qualities of current Liverpool and Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk.
Baas possesses an outrageous passing range along with encouraging early leadership signs for someone of his age, seeking to perhaps one day take over from Van Dijk as The Netherlands skipper.
Nicolas Raskin – Belgium & Rangers
A Rangers fan favourite, the 24-year-old central midfielder has had a week to remember with a first international call-up after netting in Rangers 3-2 win over fierce rivals Celtic.
The Belgian eclipsed his compatriot Arne Engels in the Old Firm derby, covering every part of the pitch in a sensational performance.
He possesses a superb work rate, an attribute a transitioning Belgian side will need heading into their Nations League play-off against Ukraine.
Youri Baas could benefit from Denzel Dumfries’ withdrawal and earn his first Netherlands cap
Nicolas Raskin has become a fan-favourite at Rangers and scored in the Old Firm Derby win
Matteo Ruggeri has cropped up on the radars of Liverpool and Man City after starring for Atalanta
Matteo Ruggeri – Italy & Atalanta
On the radar of Liverpool and Manchester City as a left back option, Ruggeri’s performances have earned him a place in the Azzurri’s squad.
Playing predominantly as a left wing back in Atalanta’s back three system, Ruggeri hugs the touchline, bombing up and down the wing.
Despite starting around half of Atalanta’s matches, the 22-year-old has demonstrated his explosive capability, potentially being an outside-the-box option to replace Liverpool’s ageing Andy Robertson.
