Wales became the latest team to secure their place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup when they beat Ukraine 1-0 in their play-off. It extends the list of Leeds United players hoping to play at the winter finals which will bring a brief pause in Premier League proceedings.
Several of Dan James and Tyler Roberts’ teammates at club level have known for weeks and months that their nations will be playing in Qatar. Each of them will be fully aware of how important the first half of next season is, especially for those on the fringes of their respective national squads.
We have put together a round-up of the Leeds players in contention for a place at the World Cup at the end of the year.
READ MORE: Wales boss Rob Page pays touching Gary Speed tribute after World Cup qualification
Kalvin Phillips & Patrick Bamford - England
Starting with someone who, permitting he is fully fit, will certainly be on the plane to Qatar. Kalvin Phillips has proved his worth to Gareth Southgate on so many occasions and he will be part of the England squad that travels to the Middle East.
Patrick Bamford will also be hoping to be restored to the squad but, after an injury-ravaged season, he will have fallen some way down the pecking order. The other English players at Elland Road have probably left it too late to stake their claim to Southgate but will also be keen to impress in case of extensive injuries.
Raphinha - Brazil
Along with England, Brazil are the favourites to win a sixth World Cup in Qatar. Raphinha will almost definitely be part of the squad hoping to extend his nation’s record, regardless of whether he starts the season at Leeds or not.
Since earning his maiden cap, the 25-year-old has been one of Brazil’s best players and he will be desperate to keep his starting place between now and the end of the year.
Diego Llorente & Rodrigo - Spain
After Brazil and England, Spain are currently third favourites to lift the trophy and Diego Llorente, who is currently in the La Roja squad, won’t want to lose his place. Rodrigo is unlikely to make his way into Luis Enrique’s final group of players but having been involved recently, strong form between now and November certainly wouldn’t do him any harm.
Dan James & Tyler Roberts – Wales
There were jubilant scenes on Sunday evening as Wales beat Ukraine to UEFA’s final place in Qatar. Dan James started the famous win for Rob Page’s side and he will be in the squad for the finals if he stays fit.
As for his team mate Tyler Roberts, his place in the squad will depend on how much football he plays between now and then after recovering from hamstring surgery for the last game of the season. He might feel that he is best leaving Leeds for regular game time if he is to play at his first World Cup.
Brenden Aaronson - USA
Brenden Aaronson joins the Whites as a regular on the international stage having already accumulated 19 caps for the USMNT at the age of just 21. It wasn’t clear whether or not they would be able to get their hands on a place in Qatar but they ultimately made sure they would be at their seventh World Cup in the last eight editions.
Another potential new signing this summer is Rasmus Kristensen, who will be hoping to get the nod from the Denmark national side.
Mateusz Klich – Poland
Mateusz Klich has been a mainstay in the Poland squad throughout his time at Leeds and he will be expecting for that to continue at the World Cup. He missed out on a place at the last World Cup so will be another Leeds player hoping to play at one for the first time at the end of the year.
Robin Koch – Germany
Germany are always a threat at major tournaments and no one would put it past Die Mannschaft adding to their tally in December. Robin Koch has earned eight caps for his country but he hasn’t been part of an international camp since Euro 2020 (which took place last summer), where he didn’t play a single minute.
Injury and a positive Covid-19 test meant he didn’t add to his caps heading into this summer and he wasn’t called up for this month’s Nations League matches by Hansi Flick.
Illan Meslier – France
Having established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for France U21s, Illan Meslier might be able to work himself into the senior squad for the World Cup. However, a strong start to next season will be extremely important after he conceded more goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper this term.
The 22-year-old is likely to need an injury to one of those ahead of him as Mike Maignan, Hugo Lloris and Alphonse Areola are three very good senior goalkeepers.
Pascal Struijk – Netherlands
Pascal Struijk is another who would certainly need injuries to those higher in the pecking order to have a chance of a World Cup place. There are a number of high-quality Dutch central defenders ahead of him but a solid start to the new campaign could see him move into contention.
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