With the international schedule in full swing over the summer, several first-team players were in action for their respectives nations.
Here is how they fared in their recent spells overseas...
Dan Ballard and Trai Hume – Northern Ireland
While their upcoming fixtures were friendly encounters, the week proved to be huge for Ballard’s international career who further cemented his importance for his country.
Starting alongside Hume in defence against Spain, Ballard climbed highest to plant his header over Unai Simón and into the top corner to give Northern Ireland the lead after just two minutes in the game.
Ballard was then handed the captain’s armband days later for their contest against Andorra where they ran out 2-0 winners on the evening.
Here’s our centre-back scoring against Spain 😍#SAFC | @NorthernIreland
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/11Ft86puCz
Jobe – England Elite Men’s Squad
The teenage midfielder added to his international credentials over the summer after his first call-up to England’s Elite Men’s Squad.
The newly formatted squad is designed to create a stronger synergy with the Under-21s squad and play against other countries of a similar age brackett.
With two friendlies arranged at the beginning of June, Jobe was handed his first start at Under-20 level for their encounter against Sweden.
60 minutes of football were played as Ben Futcher’s side ran out 2-1 winners in Croatia.
Leo Hjelde – Norway Under-21s
The 20-year-old claimed his 18th cap for his country at Under-21 level over the summer and was involved in a thrilling encounter against Denmark Under-21s.
Starting in defence, Hjelde played 45 minutes in a game that ended 3-3 between the Danes.
Chris Rigg - England Under-17s
A European Under-17 Championships in Cyprus came sharply after the 2023-24 season drew to a close and Rigg was handed the captain's armband for the tournament.
Missing the opening group victory over France through suspension, the 16-year-old featured against Portugal and Spain as England booked their place in the quarter-final.
📋 Your #YoungLions for their #U17EURO quarter-final against Italy tonight at AEK Arena.
— England (@England) May 30, 2024
Kick-off is at 6.30pm (UK) - you can watch live on @BBCiPlayer. 📺 pic.twitter.com/EgLeHbCv79
However, the last eight is where they would exit the competition as Italy won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.