Not all top flight stars in the Premier League have been excelling for their countries on the international stage of late.
And it is no wonder when so many withdrew from their respective national squads during the latest international break.
This SBOTOP scribe understands why and feels friendlies are unnecessary distractions at a point in the campaign where many players have crucial club commitments in an already congested calendar.
Yet there is one man, who has faced some criticism this term after a big-money move, who must be thrilled he did not withdraw from international duty like so many of his club team-mates did.
Granted, his nation were involved in crucial World Cup qualifiers, but my word did he deliver his own repertoire of international 2026 highlights.
Step forward Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal and Sweden.
It was just a week ago when I pondered exactly how the Scandinavians could still reach the States this summer following a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign which saw them lose home and away to Kosovo and sack manager Jon Dahl Tomasson last October.
For there was no logical reason why the Swedes should be in contention for a place at the biggest international show on earth after winning none of their six qualifiers (they actually lost four).
Their record in the Nations League, however, gave them a second chance and my did they take it.
They have booked their spot at this summer’s World Cup led by Graham Potter, Tomasson’s replacement, and Gyokeres.
Firstly, you have to go back to Valencia in Spain last Thursday night where luckless Ukraine had to cede home advantage for their semi-final qualifier.
Gyokeres was ruthless against a side hit by injuries and suspensions as he picked Ukraine apart and delivered an object lesson in No 9 play, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win.
That set up a meeting with Poland in Stockholm which promised to be a dogfight and was.
Poland twice came from behind but, with two minutes remaining, Gyokeres smashed into an empty net after Besfort Zeneli’s shot had come back off the post to spark joyous home scenes.
Victory also meant Sweden gained revenge after being beaten by Poland in the World Cup qualifying play-off final four years ago.
In many ways an unlikely duo of Potter (Premier League manager past) and Gyokeres (Premier League player present) have ensured a transatlantic journey is imminent.
Given two other English top flight players are still to return in Alexander Isak and Dejan Kulusevski, it is not hard to see why Potter’s eyes lit up at the thought of an extended stay.
‘We’re still at the start of our journey together,’ said the former West Ham boss who signed a contract extension to 2030 this month and has quickly knocked Sweden into shape – with a big hand from Gyokeres.
The final word, for now, goes to Kaoru Mitoma who scored the winner against England at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Yes, it was only a friendly, but it was a statement performance from the country who became the first team to qualify for the World Cup in March last year.
The Brighton trickster continues to repeat his club form onto the international stage with decisive contributions and, let’s face it, he has been performing wonders on the south coast for a fair few years now.
This summer will mark Japan’s eighth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, ensuring their spot with an undefeated streak in Asian qualifying.
They reached the last 16 in both 2018 and 2022 (and 2002 and 2010) and captain, Wataru Endo, has already said the days when success is merely getting out of the group are gone.
Such sentiments have not come out of nowhere.
Mitoma and Japan will be well worth a watch this summer and our World Cup 2026 betting odds are well worth a look.
As for Italy, well that’s another story…
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
