Nine Magpies on national duty

The Premier League has only been back a few weeks and we’re already on a break – but fear not, there are still plenty of Newcastle stars in action over the international break.

Who has been called up for national duty?

Netherlands – Tim Krul, Georginio Wijnaldum and Vurnon Anita

Krul is not expected to feature due to the presence of Ajax stopper Jasper Cillisen, but his fine form so far this season may see Danny Blind hand the 27-year-old some minutes in their games against Iceland and Turkey. The same applies for Vurnon Anita.

Georginio Wijnaldum is much more likely to feature for the Netherlands. An integral part of their World Cup side in 2014 and recently crowned Dutch Player of the Year, Danny Blind is expected to hand Newcastle’s £14.5million new signing starts in both their fixtures.

France – Moussa Sissoko

Sissoko has continued this season where he left off – in fine form and proving he is worthy of a spot in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the European Championships next summer. Despite his impressive start to the season, Sissoko is likely to play a bit-part role with Juventus’ Paul Pogba and PSG’s Blaise Matuidi ahead of him in the pecking order.

Serbia – Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic has only made four Premier League appearances and is already quite a controversial figure – picking up two bookings and a red card already this season. He will be desperate to prove himself and what better way than to bag a couple against World Cup 1998 winners France. The 20-year-old is expected to start both of Serbia’s games.

Northern Ireland – Shane Ferguson

Currently on loan at Millwall, Ferguson will be looking to impress on the national stage to prove his worth to new boss Steve McClaren.

England U20 – Alex Gilliead

Gilliead has featured for England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level and will now be hoping to make his mark on the under-20s. As per transfermarkt, the young Geordie’s contract is expiring this summer and he will be desperate to prove his worth to Newcastle’s coaching staff.

England U19 – Adam Armstrong and Freddie Woodman

Armstrong and Woodman are currently out on loan to Coventry and Crawley respectively and, much like Ferguson, will be hoping to catch the eye of Steve McClaren or development team manager Peter Beardsley.

Am I able to watch any of these fixtures?

Yes, a handful of these international games have been selected for UK television. See below.

Sadly, the biggest fixture for Newcastle fans (France vs Serbia) is not available on British TV – but hopefully it will be streamed online for the devoted Geordies hoping to watch Moussa Sissoko and Aleksandar Mitrovic go head-to-head.