Sheffield United International Round-up Ahead of Lincoln City Contest
Sheffield United have had a number of players away on international duty during the latest international break, with several Blades featuring prominently for their respective nations.
With Chris Wilder’s side preparing to return to Championship action next weekend, here is a look at how United’s international contingent has got on so far.
International Blades
Sydie Peck was involved from the bench as England Under-21s continued their European Championship qualifying campaign with a 4-2 victory over Kazakhstan. The Sheffield United midfielder was introduced in the 69th minute as the Young Lions secured another important result.
Peck was named in Lee Carsley’s England U21 squad for the latest round of qualifiers after making an impressive start to the campaign with the Blades. The 22-year-old will now be looking to build on his involvement when England face Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland in their remaining qualifiers in this period.
Tom Cannon was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat against Kosovo. The striker did, however, get onto the pitch in Ireland’s other fixture, coming off the bench during their emphatic 3-0 victory over Israel.
Liam Kitching was also left among the substitutes against Kosovo, but the Sheffield United defender was handed a starting role against Israel. Kitching lined up on the left side of a back three.
Rhys Norrington-Davies’ international break was less eventful. The Sheffield United left-back was an unused substitute for both of Wales’ Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Denmark.
Hamza Choudhury was handed starts in both of Bangladesh’s fixtures during the international break. The midfielder was unable to prevent his country from suffering two defeats against Malaysia and Singapore, but they have a chance to put it right against Indonesia.
Tahith Chong enjoyed one of the more productive international breaks among the Sheffield United contingent. The versatile winger was introduced early in the second half in both of Curaçao’s fixtures. He made an immediate impact against Costa Rica, scoring as Curaçao claimed a thrilling 4-3 victory. Chong then impressed again in the following fixture against Nicaragua, despite once more being introduced from the bench. Curaçao ran out emphatic 6-1 winners, with the Sheffield United man producing another eye-catching display.
Ben Brereton Diaz also received international minutes for Chile. The Sheffield United forward was introduced for the final 15 minutes of Chile’s friendly against Canada. Though, he will be hoping for more involvement when they face USA in St Louis.
Sheffield United Need to Fly Out of the Blocks Against Lincoln City
Some of the players still have remaining games to be played for their respective countries, but this long international break is finally concluding.
Sheffield United need to make a statement in their first game back against Lincoln City at Bramall Lane. Entering this international break, several Blades supporters were genuinely happy to see a break from watching United; the start to the season has been poor from both a performance point of view as well as results wise.
Wilder needs to find a way to get fans back on track: be a front-footed team that takes risks. And there’s no better opportunity to do that than at Bramall Lane against a newly promoted side in Lincoln City that will fear nobody this season, which should only spur the Blades on.
