On transfer deadline day Arsenal made the signing of another Englishman, Danny Welbeck. The gunners 5th signing of the summer adds to the other highly rated British core in the squad already. I’m not a fan of International friendlies straight after the Premier leagues first 3 games but I suppose it can add to some of the players fitness and some of the younger players can gain some experience at the top level.
England: Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Danny Welbeck
Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were both picked for the English squad by Roy Hodgson, and the two new boys Calum Chambers and Danny Welbeck were also chosen for the national side. Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain started for the 3 lions in the 1-0 over Norway at Wembley but were substituted midway through the second half. Both players looked sharp and linked up well together on the right had side with Jack playing some delightful balls into Chamberlains path and using his pace to get onto the end of it.
Danny Welbeck, Arsenal’s new number 23 came on late into the second half after he picked up a slight knock in training. Welbeck looked re energised after his move to the Emirates and created 1 of only a few chances for England but his powerful shot was saved by the Norwegian keeper. It was a great moment for Calum Chambers last night as he received his first England cap when he replaced Everton’s John Stones with 10 minutes to go.
Czech Republic: Tomas Rosicky
Tomas Rosicky captained his national side, the Czech Republic, on Wednesday night. Rosicky hasn’t been given much game time this season so far at Arsenal, so a full game for his country would have done him and his fitness the world of good. However his Czech Republic team lost 1-0 at home to an inform USA team.
Germany: Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil
Germany played their first game since there world cup win in the summer and they met the same team they beat in the final, Argentina. Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil were called up to the German team; however Mesut Ozil had to pull out of the friendly after he picked up a slight knock against Leicester. Before the game, Arsenal’s vice-captain along with Lahm and Klose were giving their farewell gifts after the 3 German legends retired from international football. Lukas Podolski managed to play 57 minutes for the Germans as he captained his country in the 4-2 defeat to Argentina. Remember, Per Mertesacker has now retired from international duty.
Costa Rica and France u21’s: Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo
The two young internationals Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo were called up to their respected countries. Joel featured in Costa Rica’s 3-0 win over Nicaragua, where he continued to impress and show what he is capable of. Yaya Sanogo featured for the French u21’s national side and scored 2 goals in their 5-1 win over Kazakhstan.
Spain and France: Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Debuchy
Spain met France on Thursday night, in a close encounter the French came out on top with a 1-0 victory. Santi Cazorla featured for the Spanish and was a starter. Also, Arsenal’s new Frenchman Debuchy started the game and was very solid throughout.
Wojciech Szczesny, David Ospina, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey – yet to play.
Szczesny has been called up to the Poland squad for their European Championship opening qualifying game against Gibraltar on Sunday. Arsenal’s second choice keeper and new signing David Ospina has been selected for Columbia for the game against Brazil, a rematch of the world cup quarter final. Arsenals other south American, Alexis Sanchez features for Chile, as their team face Mexico on Sunday. Also, Arsenal’s main man, Aaron Ramsey is in Wales’ squad as they begin their European Championship campaign away to Andorra.