The international break has gone well for Leeds United’s 16 players so far. Plenty have found themselves on the score sheet while Isaac Schmidt made his debut for Switzerland.
Despite the full-back’s lack of game time for Leeds since his arrival at Elland Road, Schmidt was a surprise call-up to Murat Yakin’s squad and against Northern Ireland, he made his debut during a 1-1 draw.
Elsewhere, Sam Chambers scored for Scotland’s U19’s, Mateo Joseph netted for Spain’s U21 side and Rasmus Kristensen helped Denmark keep the likes of Kylian Mbappe at bay to secure a shock victory.
Then, on Saturday night, Wales were in action in their first 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Kazakhstan. It saw Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Dan James all start for Craig Bellamy’s Wales side.
Welsh media react as Dan James scores in crucial Wales victory
James continued his wonderful Leeds form with a goal, even it was somewhat fortuitous and managed to trickle over the Kazakhstan goalline. Ben Davies got a second and Rabbi Matondo scored late on.
Welsh outlet Clwbpeldroed produced a player ratings piece following the win and handed James an 8/10 rating, saying he played with a “real intensity” and his speed constantly caused problems for the defence.
“His speed is always an issue, it’s a real weapon for Wales. He created plenty of crossing opportunities although his delivery was mixed. He took his chance well to open the scoring, a real intensity to his press.”
Daniel Farke will be delighted Dan James is amongst the goals
A few reasons. This time last year, James missed the crucial penalty that saw Wales fail to qualify for Euro 2024 and it hampered his form, but it seems as if the opposite this time around as he scored for Wales.
Secondly, James had actually gone three Championship games without a goal and Farke will be ecstatic that he is back on the score sheet ahead of the run-in. Thirdly, the concern surrounding Wilfried Gnonto.
Leeds might be without the Italian after he picked up an injury while on Italy U21 duty and it is unclear how long the issue will see him sidelined. So for those three reasons, it is great to see James score.
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