- Crystal Palace players in action for countries
- Kamada played in Japan’s win over England
- Munoz and Lerma’s Colombia met Lacroix’s France
Crystal Palace players remained heavily involved for their respective nations as the international break progressed, with the second round of fixtures for each country having taken place.
A Palace match-up was the first affair of this round of fixtures, as Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma started against Maxence Lacroix. France ran out 3-1 victors, and another stellar display for Lacroix earned yet more high praise from French fans. Lerma assisted Colombia’s strike with a neat through ball, as Munoz won 100% of his tackles and 3 out of 5 duels, facing PSG’s Desire Doue.
Daichi Kamada played 80 minutes as Japan shocked England at Wembley. A 1-0 win for the Japanese, courtesy of a Karou Mitoma goal, saw Kamada play a key role as he started at the heart of the midfield. Former Palace man Marc Guéhi captained the Three Lions for the first time.
Yéremy Pino made a cameo from the bench, playing the final 15 minutes as Egypt held Spain to a 0-0 draw.
Sarr Again on Target
Jørgen Strand Larsen replaced Erling Haaland for the final half hour as Norway too were held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland. The Palace striker missed a huge chance to win the game late on, but was unable to convert from six yards out.
Ismaila Sarr continued his impressive campaign, assisting the second of three Senegal goals against Gambia, as the Lions won 3-1. The assist took his tally to 18 goal contributions for the 2025/26 campaign, as he continues to see the best form of his career across this season.
After scoring in the first fixture of the break, Evan Guessand played 15 minutes from the bench as Côte d’Ivoire beat Scotland at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Justin Devenny and Brennan Johnson faced off as Wales hosted Northern Ireland, Devenny putting in a strong display again from left wing-back. 90 minutes, one big chance created and 100% tackle win rate decorated yet another impressive performance for the 22-year-old. For Johnson, it was another cameo from the bench, playing just over 20 minutes. The game ended 1-1.
Chris Richards overcame his knee issue to start against Portugal, as the USA lost 2-0. In typical fashion it was a busy defensive display for Richards, who made seven clearances and put in a solid display in possession.
Youngsters Caught the Eye
Jaydee Canvot played another 90 minutes for the French Under-21 side, who beat Iceland by two goals to one. Deployed as a right-back once again, Canvot continues to earn precious minutes to develop.
Romain Esse, currently on loan at Coventry, scored in England Under-21s’ 4-1 win over Moldova.
And finally, Palace academy wing-back Rio Cardines recorded two assists for Trinidad & Tobago as they drew 2-2 with Gabon. He was unfortunate to miss his penalty in the shootout, but another 90 minutes for the 20-year-old at International level will be beneficial for his development.
