THIS international break promises to be a memorable one for a number of the world’s top young players.
Some domestic football fans will be frustrated the next fortnight stops the momentum of European action.
But it also presents a set of incredible opportunities for certain individuals.
Euro 2024 and World Cup 2026 qualifiers will take place across the globe over the next two weeks.
And some of football’s biggest international sides are preparing to offer debuts to some of their brightest talents.
Here are seven wonderkids who could be handed their first cap before the end of November.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – England – 21 years old
Cole Palmer has been called up by Gareth Southgate after several players withdrew with injuries.
James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Lewis Dunk all dropped out due to various fitness issues – giving Chelsea man Palmer the opportunity to show what he can bring to the national team.
The forward, 21, scored a last-gasp equaliser against his former club Manchester City to earn the Blues a thrilling 4-4 draw on Sunday.
It takes his tally to four goals and four assists in 11 matches for his new side.
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And he could now make his England debut against either Malta on Friday or North Macedonia on Monday.
Rico Lewis (Man City) – England – 18 years old
Much like Palmer, Rico Lewis received the call from Southgate after members of the original squad had withdrawn.
The Manchester City youngster, 18, has shown himself capable of playing as both a left-back and in central midfield.
His versatility is something that could make him an England regular for years to come.
And the upcoming qualifiers provide Lewis with a great chance to show why he deserves his place.
Southgate is already somewhat short of a defensive midfield partner alongside Declan Rice as Kalvin Phillips is struggling for game time and Jordan Henderson is playing in Saudi Arabia.
Endrick (Palmeiras) – Brazil – 17 years old
Teenage prodigy Endrick, 17, is already making waves as a star at Palmeiras with 12 goals and one assist so far this season.
Real Madrid have already sealed a deal with the Brazilian and he will officially join them next summer.
And while he is still incredibly young, it feels as though his international debut has been a long time coming.
Brazil face Colombia on Friday and Argentina next Wednesday in a pair of World Cup qualifiers.
It would be some debut for Endrick if he was to face the world champions – his country’s bitter rivals – at the Maracana.
Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG) – France – 17 years old
Warren Zaire-Emery is fast-becoming one of the most-talked about footballers in France.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, 17, is already a regular for the Ligue 1 champions.
He has scored twice and provided five assists in 15 appearances for his club.
And now he has been called up to Didier Deschamps squad alongside players that have reached back-to-back World Cup finals.
Zaire-Emery’s debut could come at home to Gibraltar or away in Greece.
Speaking about being called up, he said: “I am very happy. I’m very proud. It shows that he [Didier Deschamps] trusts me as well.
“I’m staying true to myself and more than anything it’s about working hard every day, which I do. I’m lost for words, I’m very happy.”
Josh Doig (Hellas Verona) – Scotland – 21 years old
Verona midfielder Josh Doig has started eight of the Serie A side’s 12 league games so far this season.
His performances have caught the eye of Scotland boss Steve Clarke as his team prepare for Euro qualifiers against Georgia and Norway.
And the Scots have already qualified for the finals next summer, so Doig could be afforded some minutes if Clarke opts for a more experimental side.
Speaking about Doig, Clarke said: “Josh has been a little bit in and out of the team at Verona, but it looks as if this season he has really nailed down the position.
“He has been playing pretty regular. I look forward to seeing how he does in training. Maybe he gets a run out in one of the games.
“I think it is probably a reflection of the more outgoing or more outward thinking young person now. I never thought about going abroad as a player.”
Matt O’Riley (Celtic) – Denmark – 22 years old
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley was called up to the Denmark squad for the October internationals, but remained on the bench.
Now he could receive his first minutes for the Euro 2020 semi-finalists when they take on Slovenia and Northern Ireland.
He has made a sublime start to the season for the Scottish champions, scoring six times and assisting a further seven in just 17 games.
And he now looks set to play for the Danish national team – 18 months after being a part of MK Dons’ side in League One.
Joao Pedro (Brighton) – Brazil – 22 years old
Endrick’s debut may well turn out to be the headline for Brazil during this international break, but a Brighton star is also in line to make his debut.
Joao Pedro, 22, has scored six goals in 17 games for the Seagulls so far this season.
And Brazil’s injury crisis means he is highly likely to receive some minutes.
Neymar has been ruled out until the summer after rupturing his ACL, with Tottenham’s Richarlison also sidelined – although he was not selected anyway.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is also carrying a knock, while Wolves’ Matheus Cunha was not picked.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
