Eight West Ham players return after a short international break, but how did they fare for their countries?
The Premier League returns this weekend after a two-week spell away due to international games, with West Ham preparing to face Everton away on Sunday.
However, first, we take a look at how our eight internationals played for their countries during this week’s World Cup qualifiers.
Andriy Yarmolenko
Ukraine’s third most capped player, Yarmolenko, made his 103rd and 104th appearances for his country this week and performed exceptionally well.
The 31-year-old scored a goal in each game to help them record a win and a draw, putting them in second place in Group D and within a good chance of qualifying for next year’s World Cup.
Pablo Fornals
Spain international Pablo Fornals appeared in the UEFA Nations League this week, coming on as a substitute in the final against France.
Unfortunately, Fornals couldn’t help his country to victory, losing 2-1 in the end, but earning a cap in a major tournament final shows just how far he has come since joining the Hammers.
Lukasz Fabianski
West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski bid his final farewell in a Poland shirt this week, as he earned his 57th cap – 15 years after making his debut.
It was an emotional goodbye for the 36-year-old, who was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour by both teams, as he came away with a clean sheet in their 5-0 victory over San Marino.
Declan Rice
West Ham’s on-field captain featured again for England this week, starting their second fixture against Hungary – who he scored against in their away fixture.
Unfortunately, the Three Lionss weren’t able to break them down this time as the score finished 1-1. England still remain top of Group I and must win their next two qualifiers.
Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral
Czech Republic pair Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral helped their country go unbeaten against Wales and Belarus this week.
The two started together in their 2-2 draw with Wales, before captain Soucek went on to start in the next game and help them record a solid 2-0 win a few days later.
Nikola Vlasic
Croatian playmaker Nikola Vlasic also helped his side go unbeaten during the interantional break, starting in the first game and being subbed on for the second half of their following match.
They recorded a 3-0 victory over Cyprus first, before drawing 2-2 with Slovakia three days later. Croatia sit second in Group H and have now qualified for the World Cup.
Said Benrahma
Finally, outside of Europe, Said Benrahma appeared in Algeria’s matchday squad for their CAF World Cup qualifier against Niger.
The national team won 4-0 but unfortunately, Benrahma did not make his way onto the pitch. Algeria sit at the top of the group level on points with Burkina Faso.
