Foxes Braced For Final International Break Of 2019

- Leicester City's stars are set for a vital international break this month
- Nine Foxes could be in UEFA 2020 European Championships qualifying action
- Wilfred Ndidi and Admiral Muskwe are set to feature in AFCON qualifying
- Four other City players could be involved at youth level for their nations

From Africa Cup of Nations to UEFA 2020 European Championships qualifying, there’s plenty at stake for the Club’s international stars in November.

The headlines…

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Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi's Nigeria finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Having withdrawn from Gareth Southgate’s squad due to illness in October, it could be time for attacking midfielder James Maddison to make his England debut this month.

The Foxes No.10 has been in fine form so far this term, scoring six goals in all competitions, including a sweet strike during the 2-0 victory over Arsenal last time out.

Elsewhere, Wilfred Ndidi and Nigeria will get their 2021 AFCON Group L qualification campaign underway against Benin, while young striker Admiral Muskwe could be in Group H action for Zimbabwe, who take on Botswana this week.

As explained below, this month is set to be a crucial one for the Foxes, with many vying for qualification for the 2020 European Championships. 

The permutations…

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James Maddison

James Maddison heads out for an England training session at St. George's Park.

While City’s African contingent are starting their qualification campaigns, there are several City stars that will aim to help their nations book their spot at the finals of EURO 2020.

Should Çağlar Söyüncü‘s Turkey better France’s two results in November, they will finish top of Group H, while a draw against Iceland on Thursday will secure qualification for next summer’s flagship tournament.

Ben Chilwell and James Maddison’s England occupy a similar position, with a victory over Montenegro on Thursday all but sealing first position in Group A, should a dramatic swing in goal difference be prevented.

The Three Lions will qualify with a draw against Montenegro, or if Kosovo lose to Czech Republic, and are guaranteed play-off place if required after winning UEFA Nations League Group A4.

The standings in Group D, meanwhile, are much tighter, with Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark facing two important clashes with Gibraltar and leaders Republic of Ireland. They are currently level on points with Ireland, who have played a game more than the Danes.

Denmark will qualify if they beat Gibraltar and Switzerland lose to Georgia, however they are already guaranteed play-off place if required, having finished as the UEFA Nations League Group B4 winner.

Similarly, Jonny Evans and Northern Ireland will contest two huge fixtures against Netherlands and Germany, as they aim to secure automatic qualification from Group C, however they are in March’s play-offs as it stands.

They will be out of contention in the group if they draw with Netherlands and Germany beat Belarus, or if they lose and Germany draw.

Ricardo Pereira’s Portugal will qualify if they win against Lithuania and Serbia do not beat Luxembourg, and are guaranteed play-off place if required as UEFA Nations League Group A3 winners.

Danny Ward’s Wales, meanwhile, will be out of contention in the group if they lose to Azerbaijan, but are in the play-offs as it stands.

Finally, having already qualified after winning all eight of their Group I games, Youri Tielemans and Dennis Praet’s Belgium will clinch top spot with a draw against Russia, who sit in second position.

The landmarks…

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Kasper Schmeichel

Kasper Schmeichel has made the most international appearances of any player while at Leicester City.

Academy graduate Ben Chilwell could make his 10th senior appearance for England should he feature against either Montenegro or Kosovo.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, meanwhile, could extend his record of international caps while at Leicester City, having surpassed Andy King’s total of 50 in October.

Elsewhere, Çağlar Söyüncü, currently on 27 appearances for his nation, will edge closer to the 30-cap mark for Turkey, should he feature in both of their games this month.

Finally, two Nigeria outings for Wilfred Ndidi will take him to 35 international appearances for the Super Eagles at the age of just 22.

The schedule in full…

All times GMT.