Sunderland has made impressive strides in the transfer market in recent years, acquiring a plethora of young talents. The Black Cats currently boast five senior internationals on their roster, in addition to a cadre of youthful stars who have represented their respective countries. As we look ahead to Euro 2024, there will be numerous Sunderland players competing for spots on their national teams. However, the youthful composition of the Black Cats’ squad may see even more young players gracing the pitch during Euro 2028, which will be hosted across the UK and Northern Ireland. If Sunderland qualifies to play at St James’ Park in Newcastle, their stars are likely to return to the North East.
With Tony Mowbray’s current crop of players displaying significant potential, let’s highlight eight Sunderland players who could potentially feature in Euro 2028:
1. Anthony Patterson:
Anthony Patterson’s outstanding performances for Sunderland earned him a call-up to the England U21 squad this summer, where he made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Japan. At only 23 years old, this goalkeeper aims to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Pickford and could attract attention if the Black Cats secure promotion. While Aaron Ramsdale may secure the No.1 spot, Dean Henderson, James Trafford, and Patterson could compete for a place in the squad.
2. Dennis Cirkin:
Dennis Cirkin is another player with immense potential. The defender earned two caps with the England U20 side in 2021, but he hasn’t featured in youth ranks since. At just 21 years old, Cirkin has ample time to develop and is likely to become a key player for Sunderland in the future. England has faced challenges in the left-back position, so Cirkin’s inclusion in the squad may depend on his performance in the top flight.
3. Niall Huggins:
Niall Huggins has shown himself to be a solid defender with growing confidence in recent games, though his future depends on his fitness. If he can avoid major injuries, Huggins could be considered for the Wales senior team. With four U21 team appearances, his chances may be bolstered by the lack of talent in his position for Wales.
4. Jobe Bellingham:
Jobe Bellingham, despite his young age, displays considerable promise. He is already performing beyond his years and could have one of the highest ceilings at the club. His brother’s success could aid his journey to the national team. If Jobe continues his rapid development, a senior debut for England within the next four or five years is not out of the question.
5. Jack Clarke:
Jack Clarke, who may be competing in the Premier League next season, whether with Sunderland or another club, is a strong contender for an England call-up. The forward has been exceptional this season and has garnered interest from clubs like Burnley and Brentford. If Clarke excels in the top flight, there’s a good chance he could secure a spot in the international set-up.
6. Dan Neil:
It’s unlikely that Dan Neil will leave Sunderland anytime soon, but a promotion to the Premier League could put him in the running for an England call-up. The midfielder has been one of Sunderland’s standout players this season and would be an asset in the top flight. With three U20 caps already, he is on track to make his mark with the senior team.
7. Jewison Bennette:
Should Costa Rica qualify for the tournament, Jewison Bennette is a strong candidate for their squad. With 12 international caps, he is a consistent performer, especially considering the limited pool of Costa Rican players outside of South America. Bennette’s aim is to secure a regular spot in the Costa Rica team by 2028, having already made three appearances at the World Cup.
8. Nazariy Rusyn:
Similarly to Bennette, Nazariy Rusyn is likely to be a fixture in the Ukraine squad if they qualify for Euro 2028. At 24 years old, he recently received his first senior call-up, and his goal-scoring abilities with the U21s indicate promising prospects. If Rusyn continues to score for Sunderland over the next few years, he could establish himself as a regular for the Ukrainian national team.
Leave a Reply