- Tom Cayless
Everything you need to know: Manchester City Internationals – March 2023
As the business end of the season nears, Pep Guardiola's side have seemingly kicked into gear this March, winning all four games in three different competitions and not conceding a goal in the process.
However, the first international break since the Qatar World Cup has arrived. Throughout this piece, we will detail who has and hasn't been picked by their national teams and who they'll be facing whilst away.
Algeria: Riyad Mahrez
Captain of his native land, Riyad Mahrez has once again been picked for his national team as they continue qualifying for the African Cup of Nations. Algeria have won the first three games in their group.
Fixture Details:
March 23 | Algeria vs Niger | 21:00 GMT
March 27 | Niger vs Algeria | 17:00 BST
Argentina: Julian Alvarez and Maximo Perrone
For the first time since writing his name into the history books with victory in Qatar, Julian Alvarez has once again been chosen in Lionel Scaloni's squad for their friendlies. Winter signing and emerging talent Maximo Perrone has also been called up as part of the 35-man squad.
Fixture Details:
March 24 | Argentina vs Panama | 00:00 GMT
March 28 | Argentina vs Curacao | TBC
Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne
Although he's clearly not the biggest fan of international football, Kevin De Bruyne has been picked by new coach Domenico Tedesco. Former City youngster Romeo Lavia has also earned his first-ever call-up for the Belgian Red Devils.
Fixture Details:
March 24 | Sweden vs Belgium | 19:45 GMT
March 28 | Germany vs Belgium | 19:45 BST
Brazil: Ederson
Interim coach Ramon Menezes has selected Ederson for his squad's friendly against North African opposition. Normally, Ederson would find himself as the Selecao's number two, but with Alisson not selected, one should suspect City's stopper will take the reigns as number one.
Fixture Details:
March 25 | Morocco vs Brazil | 22:00 GMT
England: Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis (U-21s)
After more tournament heart-break for the Three Lions last December, City's English lads will meet up with Gareth Southgate and co again. To the surprise of some English supporters, Kalvin Phillips has been called up despite his limited minutes this season. There are no shocks with the selection of the other four. Just like all other European countries, England will start their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign.
Cole Palmer has been called up to the Under-21s, with Rico Lewis joining him for the first time.
Fixture Details:
March 23 | Italy vs England | 19:45 GMT
March 26 | England vs Ukraine | 17:00 BST
Fixture Details (U-21s):
March 25 | England (U-21s) vs France (U-21s) | 17:00 GMT
March 28 | England (U-21s) vs Croatia (U-21s) |19:45 BST
Netherlands: Nathan Ake
In a squad packed full of defensive talent, Nathan Ake has been selected by Ronald Koeman in his first squad since returning as manager. The Dutch will begin with a tough test away to World Cup finalists France.
Fixture Details:
March 24 | France vs Netherlands | 19:45 GMT
March 27 | Netherlands vs Gibraltar | 19:45 BST
Norway: Erling Haaland
With just the 42, yes, 42, goals so far this season, Erling Haaland has obviously been selected for his country's EURO 2024 qualifying fixtures – both of which will be played away from their homeland.
Fixture Details:
March 25 | Spain vs Norway | 19:45 GMT
March 28 | Georgia vs Norway | 17:00 BST
Portugal: Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva
Following their quarter-final exit against Morocco in the World Cup, Portugal begin their EURO 2024 qualifying with two easy fixtures on paper. Out-on-loan and Champions League quarter-final opponent Joao Cancelo has also been called up.
Fixture Details:
March 23 | Portugal vs Liechtenstein | 19:45 GMT
March 26 | Luxembourg vs Portugal | 19:45 BST
Spain: Rodri, Aymeric Laporte and Sergio Gomez (U-21s)
Following Luis Enrique's departure, Rodri and Aymeric Laporte have both been selected by new gaffer Luis De La Fuente. Rodri and Laporte partnered each other in the middle of a back four in Qatar, but it's unclear what role City's holding midfielder will play now. The Spaniards start their EURO 2024 campaign against a familiar face.
Sergio Gomez has been called up to the Under-21s, where he features as an attacker.
Fixture Details:
March 25 | Spain vs Norway | 19:45 GMT
March 28 | Scotland vs Spain | 19:45 BST
Fixture Details (U-21s):
March 24 | Spain (U-21s) vs Switzerland (U-21s) | 20:00 GMT
March 28 | France (U-21s) vs Spain (U-21s) | 17:30 BST
Switzerland: Manuel Akanji
To the surprise of nobody, Manuel Akanji has again been selected for Switzerland's squad for their EURO 2024 qualifying.
Fixture Details:
March 25 | Belarus vs Switzerland | 17:00 GMT
March 28 | Switerzland vs Israel | 19:45 BST
Not selected: Ilkay Gundogan and Stefan Ortega
Stefan Oretga has not been selected for national team duty, perhaps owing to the existing strength in the German goalkeeping ranks. The omission of City captain Ilkay Gundogan may come as a surprise initially, but the 32-year-old welcomed his first child in recent days, so it would make sense that the veteran midfielder have some time off, with Hansi Flick trialling younger and less experienced players in his latest Germany squad.
City return to action on April 1st when they welcome Liverpool to the Etihad for a lunchtime kick-off.
Written by: @TomCayless_
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