The international break came as a little bit of an unwanted burden for Alan Pardew as his side continued their impressive run of form in the Premier League prior to the two-week break.
Several first-team players from the Eagles were representing their countries over the last couple of weeks, with some playing bigger roles and being of more importance to their respective national sides than others.
Here’s a little round-up of how the Palace stars got on whilst they were away:
Christian Benteke
The powerful forward came on as a late substitute as his Belgium side defeated Bosnia 4-1. He then started the following qualifier against Gibraltar, in which he managed to score a hat-trick, with his first coming after just seven seconds!
Yohan Cabaye and Steve Mandanda
Neither Cabaye nor Mandanda managed to get any game time during France’s 4-1 victory over Bulgaria or their 1-0 win away at the Netherlands.
Wayne Hennessey and Joe Ledley
Both players started and finished both of Wales’ two qualifiers. They helped Chris Coleman’s men to pick up a 2-2 draw with Austria, before grinding out a 1-1 draw against Georgia.
James McArthur
The midfielder came on to save the day in Scotland’s first qualifier as his goal secured a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw. However despite starting against Slovakia on Tuesday evening, he was helpless as his side were beaten 3-0.
Andros Townsend
Townsend was an unused substitute in England’s first qualifier, which they won 2-0 against Malta at Wembley. He was brought on as a late substitute near the end of their 0-0 draw to Slovakia on Tuesday, though but didn’t have much of an impact.
