The final international break of the season is upon us, meaning that we’re nearing the home stretch of the promotion run-in. Before that, five members of Ipswich Town’s first-team squad will be away representing their countries. Alex Jones takes a look at what they’ll be up to in the next few days.
Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead – Wales
At the time of writing, Wes Burns is yet to be withdrawn from the Wales squad, but the hamstring injury that he suffered against Sheffield Wednesday is likely to rule him out for most of the season. That leaves Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead as Town’s representatives in Cardiff.
The Dragons are in Euro 2024 play-off action, meaning that they’re two wins away from qualifying for this summer’s tournament in Germany. The first match takes place on Thursday, March 21st (7:45pm), where they’ll face Finland. Should they progress, they’ll take on the winner of Poland vs Estonia on Tuesday, March 26th (5pm) for a place in the group stages.
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If they do make it to Euro 2024, they’ll join France, the Netherlands and Austria in Group D.
Moore, who made his Wales debut in 2019, is set to receive his 40th cap on Thursday, and he’ll be aiming to build on the 12 goals he’s scored for his country so far. The striker featured at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, and he’ll be desperate to qualify for the third major international tournament of his career.
Broadhead, on the other hand, is yet to play at a major tournament with the Dragons, having only made his senior debut last year. He’ll be hoping to earn his 10th cap against Finland this week.
Cameron Burgess – Australia
Cameron Burgess will once again join up with Australia, who are looking to bounce back from their disappointing Asian Cup exit at the hands of South Korea.
The centre-back started just once in the tournament, although he was brought off the bench for the final half-hour in the quarter-finals. He’ll be looking to build up some more minutes this month, with two 2026 World Cup qualifying games against Lebanon coming up.
The Socceroos will play both games on home soil due to the current circumstances in the Middle East. The first match will take place in Sydney on Thursday, March 21st (9:10am UK time), with their designated away match set to be played in Canberra on Tuesday, March 26th (8:45am UK time).
A single win could be enough to see them progress to the third round of qualifying, which starts in September.
Burgess has six caps to his name so far, and although he’ll be hoping to return to Suffolk with eight, their second match of the international break takes place just three days before Ipswich face Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Factoring in travel from Australia to England, it’ll be a short turnaround if he’s to feature in Lancashire on Good Friday.
Jeremy Sarmiento – Ecuador
Jeremy Sarmiento is back in Ecuador’s squad for the first time since March 2023. Having made his debut for La Tri back in 2021, he currently has 13 caps to his name, although he’s yet to score.
Upcoming friendly games at the Red Bull Arena in New York will give him a chance to end that run, starting with a match against Guatemala on Friday, March 22nd (12:30am UK time). They’ll remain in the Big Apple for their game against reigning European Champions Italy, which takes place on Sunday, March 24th (8pm UK time).
Sarmiento will have his eyes set on a place at the Copa America, which takes place in the United States this summer. Felix Sanchez Bas’ side have been drawn in Group B alongside Jamaica, Mexico and Venezuela, and are looking to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
Cieran Slicker – Scotland under-21
Cieran Slicker will be expected to start for Scotland under-21’s, who only have one match this month. That comes against Kazakhstan at St Mirren Park in Euro U-21 qualifying on Thursday, March 21st (7pm).
Scot Gemmill’s side are looking to cut the gap on Group B leaders Spain, who sit just one point ahead of them after five games.
Slicker, who’s kept clean sheets in his country’s last two matches, is currently on 12 caps.
Town youngsters
Goalkeeper Woody Williamson has joined up with Scotland under-19’s, who will travel to Italy for their Euro 2024 Elite Round qualifiers. They’ll start by playing the hosts on Wednesday, March 20th (2pm) before facing Georgia on Saturday, March 23rd (11am) and the Czech Republic on Tuesday, March 26th (1:30pm).
Just eight sides will qualify for this year’s tournament finals, including hosts Northern Ireland, who have fellow Town youngster Rio Oudnie-Morgan. Scotland will need to top Group 5 to qualify.
Elkan Baggott, who’s currently out on loan at League One outfit Bristol Rovers, will miss Indonesia’s World Cup qualifier against Vietnam through injury.
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