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The midfielder, who has seen his Liverpool playing time limited recently, will welcome the opportunity for consistent minutes.

Many believed he should have started the Carabao Cup final to help with the physicality of Newcastle’s midfield.

Japan’s solid position atop their qualifying group allows some breathing room, but victories in these home fixtures would put them in an excellent position to reach another World Cup finals.



Andy Robertson – Scotland

Greece v Scotland – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
Scotland v Greece – Sunday March 23, 5pm (UEFA Nations League)

Robertson leads Scotland into a Nations League double-header against Greece.

The Liverpool left-back has been a consistent performer for his club this season and will be instrumental as Steve Clarke’s side aims to continue repairs from their disappointing Euro 2024 group stage exit last summer.

These fixtures represent the beginning of Scotland’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Kostas Tsimikas – Greece

Greece v Scotland – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
Scotland v Greece – Sunday March 23, 5pm (UEFA Nations League)

Tsimikas will line up against his Liverpool teammate Robertson in both fixtures.

The Greek defender has been limited to a backup role at Anfield this season but remains a key figure for his national team.

These matches offer Tsimikas valuable game time ahead of the final push for the Premier League title in May.

Ibrahima Konate – France

Croatia v France – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
France v Croatia – Sunday March 23, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)

Konate joins a French squad looking to rebuild after their Euro 2024 semi-final exit.

The defender has been in excellent form for Liverpool this season and will hope to cement his place in Didier Deschamps’ plans.

The back-to-back fixtures against Croatia for the UEFA Nations quarterfinal represent challenging tests against world-class opposition.

Caoimhin Kelleher – Republic of Ireland

Bulgaria v Republic of Ireland – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria – Sunday March 23, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)

Amid increasing speculation about his Liverpool future, Kelleher joins Ireland for their Nations League campaign.

With rumors of a £30 million summer transfer intensifying, these fixtures provide another opportunity for Kelleher to demonstrate why he deserves to be a starting goalkeeper at club level.

His performances for Liverpool when deputizing for Alisson have been exceptional, and he will likely start both matches for Ireland.

Diogo Jota – Portugal

Denmark v Portugal – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
Portugal v Denmark – Sunday March 23, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)

Jota returns to the Portugal squad for a Nations League quarter-final match-up vs Denmark.

With Cristiano Ronaldo still in the picture, Jota faces competition for starting spots but his versatility across the forward line makes him a valuable asset.

Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary

Turkey v Hungary – Thursday March 20, 5pm (UEFA Nations League)
Hungary v Turkey – Sunday March 23, 5pm (UEFA Nations League)

Hungary’s captain continues to shoulder immense responsibility for his national team.

Mac Allister has been exceptional for the Reds this season, and his importance to world champions Argentina continues to grow.

The marquee fixture against Brazil next Wednesday promises to be one of the highlights of the international break, with Mac Allister expected to play a central role.

With no Lionel Messi in the side, Liverpool’s N.10 will likely be relied on by manager Lionel Scaloni.

Darwin Nunez – Uruguay

Uruguay v Argentina – Friday March 21, 11:30pm (World Cup qualifier)
Bolivia v Uruguay – Tuesday March 25, 8pm (World Cup qualifier)

Nunez will first face his Liverpool teammate Mac Allister in Uruguay’s clash with Argentina before traveling to the challenging altitude of Bolivia.

The striker has shown flashes of brilliance for Liverpool this season without fully establishing himself as an undisputed starter.

Hopefully Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa will place trust in Nunez, who will be hoping to build momentum ahead of Liverpool’s title run-in.

Lewis Koumas – Wales

Wales v Kazakhstan – Saturday March 22, 7:45pm (World Cup qualifier)
North Macedonia v Wales – Tuesday March 25, 7:45pm (World Cup qualifier)

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder received his first senior Wales call-up back in September.

Son of former Wales international Jason Koumas, Lewis has impressed for Stoke City on loan this season and now has the opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.

Wales begin their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with fixtures that new manager Craig Bellamy will target for maximum points.

 Virgil Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Gravenberch – Netherlands

Netherlands v Spain – Thursday March 20, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)
Spain v Netherlands – Sunday March 23, 7:45pm (UEFA Nations League)

Liverpool’s Dutch contingent faces the toughest fixtures of the international break with back-to-back matches against Euro 2024 champions Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Ronald Koeman has commented on Virgil van Dijk’s contract situation while on international duty.

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