Top Premier League International Performances This Month

As international duty took centre stage, Premier League players travelled across the globe for key fixtures, including UEFA Nations League ties and crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With some standout performances on display, several Premier League footballers shone for their respective national teams.

From Enzo Fernandez’s brilliance with Argentina to Chris Wood’s goal-scoring exploits for New Zealand, these five Premier League players delivered eye-catching displays that will have fans and managers alike excited for their return to club action.

Here are five Premier League players who stood out during the recent international break.

Enzo Fernandez – Argentina and Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez enjoyed a sensational international break as Argentina, the reigning world champions, secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder played a key role in La Albiceleste’s impressive results, which included victories over Uruguay and long-time rivals Brazil.

Argentina opened the break with a narrow 1-0 win against Uruguay in Montevideo, thanks to a stunning goal from Thiago Almada. The South Americans then produced a dominant performance to thrash Brazil 4-1 at Estadio Monumental, even without the services of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez.

Fernandez was the standout performer in that emphatic win over Brazil. The 23-year-old midfielder scored one goal and assisted another, playing in a more advanced role than usual. He doubled Argentina’s lead in the 12th minute, arriving unmarked at the back post to convert a low cross after Julian Alvarez had opened the scoring.

Before the first half ended, Fernandez displayed his creative flair once again, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to set up Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina’s third goal. It was a complete midfield masterclass that reaffirmed why he was named Best Young Player at the 2022 World Cup.

Fernandez’s efforts helped Argentina book their ticket to the next World Cup, where they’ll look to defend their title in style. Chelsea fans will be hopeful that the midfielder can carry this form back into the Premier League season.

Ben Davies – Wales and Tottenham Hotspur

Ben Davies continues to prove his value as one of Wales’ most reliable performers. The experienced Tottenham Hotspur defender delivered a strong showing during Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign, helping his nation make an encouraging start.

Davies opened the break with a standout performance in a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan. The centre-back made a significant impact on both ends of the pitch, scoring a crucial goal and providing an assist as Wales overcame a slow start to claim the three points.

In the second fixture of the break, Wales travelled to face North Macedonia. Although the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Davies was once again solid at the back, helping Craig Bellamy’s side salvage a point in dramatic fashion.

With four points from their opening two matches, Wales have established a strong foundation for the rest of their qualification campaign. Davies, with his experience and leadership, remains central to their plans as they aim for another major tournament appearance.

Martin Ødegaard – Norway and Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard returned to top form during the international break, delivering a pair of superb performances for Norway in their World Cup qualification campaign.

Ødegaard had struggled to reach his usual creative heights in recent Premier League outings, but he looked revitalised on international duty. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder produced four assists across two matches, guiding Norway to back-to-back wins over Israel and Moldova away from home.

In a thrilling 4-2 victory over Israel, Ødegaard registered a hat-trick of assists and created eight chances in a dominant display. His vision, passing range, and intelligence on the ball were all on full show, making him virtually unplayable for large stretches of the match.

He followed up that performance by assisting Alexander Sørloth in a 5-0 demolition of Moldova, further underlining his importance to the Norwegian side. Norway are aiming to reach their first World Cup since 1998, and with talents like Ødegaard, Erling Haaland, and Sørloth in their ranks, optimism is building.

This international break could prove to be a turning point for Ødegaard as he looks to replicate his international form back at Arsenal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – England and Arsenal

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly is enjoying a meteoric rise, and the international break marked a significant milestone in his young career. The 18-year-old made his senior debut for England and instantly made history in the process.

Featuring at left-back in Gareth Southgate’s revamped side, Lewis-Skelly became the youngest player to score on their England debut, netting the opener in a 2-0 win over Albania. In doing so, he eclipsed the previous record held by Marcus Rashford.

In England’s second match of the break, the teenager impressed once again during a comfortable win over Latvia at Wembley. His performance highlighted the traits of a modern full-back—technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and capable of drifting inside to influence the game in central areas.

With England’s left-back position long considered a problem area, Lewis-Skelly’s emergence could be a timely solution. His composure, versatility, and tactical maturity at such a young age make him one of the most exciting prospects in English football.

Chris Wood – New Zealand and Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood continued his excellent season with a sensational showing for New Zealand during their World Cup qualification campaign. The Nottingham Forest striker helped the All Whites qualify for just their third World Cup by leading from the front with goals and experience.

Oceania was granted an automatic spot at the 2026 World Cup for the first time, and New Zealand seized the opportunity. They cruised past Fiji in the semi-finals with a 7-0 win, where Wood scored a hat-trick to send his side to the final.

Just three days later, New Zealand comfortably defeated New Caledonia 3-0 to secure their place at the tournament. Wood’s goals were crucial throughout, and he has now extended his national team record to 44 goals in 82 caps—further cementing his status as one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever footballers.

With his Premier League experience and continued form in front of goal, Chris Wood will be a key figure for New Zealand as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Final Thoughts

The international break has once again showcased the depth and talent across the Premier League. From seasoned veterans like Ben Davies and Chris Wood to rising stars like Myles Lewis-Skelly, players from England’s top flight made their mark on the global stage.

As domestic football resumes, fans and clubs will be keeping a close eye on whether these performances can inspire a strong run of form in the Premier League. One thing is certain—the international break served up plenty of reminders of just how much Premier League talent is making waves around the world.