The 16 Leeds United players called-up by their National Teams for March international break

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The March international break is upon us following Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with QPR, with The Whites going into the break sitting top but only on goal difference ahead of Sheffield United.

With eight games left to win secure automatic promotion, Daniel Farke’s side can take a breather amid the pressure of going back to the Premier League. At least, until Leeds host Swansea City on March 29.

Below are the 16 players on Leeds United’s books that have been picked for international duty, and when they will be in action over the next fortnight. One that won’t be is Brenden Aaronson after he was axed.

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The 16 Leeds United players picked to represent their countries

Karl Darlow – Wales

Darlow was called up by Wales after Craig Bellamy was announced as manager, and he will be looking to build on his excellent start. He could be Bellamy’s no.1, as Wales on Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.

Joe Rodon – Wales

Like Darlow and Dan James, Rodon will be in action for Wales. Having already clocked up 46 appearances for club and country this season, Rodon is set to make that 48 in their two 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Isaac Schmidt – Switzerland

The shock call-up of the March break is Isaac Schmidt, who has failed to start a single league game for Leeds since arriving last summer. Yet, he is in Swiss squad to face Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

Junior Firpo – Dominican Republic

Firpo faces Puerto Rico twice with The Dominican Republic after qualifying for The Gold Cup before the turn of the year. Given they are friendlies, it is likely Leeds have requested he does not play every minute.

Ao Tanaka – Japan

When joining Leeds, Tanaka was a fringe player with Japan but his form in England has been so good that he is one of the first now called up. Japan take on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with Tanaka on 30 caps.

Ilia Gruev – Bulgaria

The left-footed Gruev has not been available for Bulgaria since his injury before the October break but now the Leeds star is back, he will be preparing to face Ireland both home and away this month.

Dan James – Wales

The in-form winger will continue to push last March’s international break behind him when he missed in the penalty shootout against Poland – and James will be pushing closer to an impressive 60 caps.

Manor Solomon – Israel

The beginning of a World Cup qualification campaign is up next for Israel, with Solomon set to take on Estonia and Norway in the group stages. Leeds will be hoping Solomon can remain fit while on duty.

Mateo Joseph – Spain U21’s

This season, Joseph has clocked up five caps for Spain’s U21 caps and scored five goals including a hat-trick against Kazakhstan. He will be in action against the Czech Republic and Germany during the break.

Wilfried Gnonto – Italy U21’s

Gnonto is now a senior player in this Italy U21 side, having already played 13 times for Italy’s senior side. After his excellent cameo for Leeds on Saturday, Gnonto takes on the Netherlands and then Denmark.

Rory Mahady – Scotland U21’s

Alongside Sam Chambers, fourth-choice goalkeeper Rory Mahady is in action with Scotland’s U21 side. A trip to Ireland on Friday is then followed by Iceland on March 25, with Mahady likely to be rotated.

Diogo Monteiro – Portugal U21’s

The commanding Monteiro joined Leeds in January 2023 from Swiss side Servette. Expected to break into the senior side, he’s yet to make his debut but he will face Romania and England during the break.

Sam Chambers – Scotland U21’s

Like goalkeeper Mahady, Chambers will be looking to help Scotland’s second string against Ireland and Iceland. Having signed a new deal at Elland Road, this is his first call-up for Scotland’s Under-21 side.

Charlie Crew – Wales U19’s

Currently on loan at Doncaster Rovers, Crew will be with Wales’ U19 side over the next couple of weeks. Having already won a senior cap, Crew will be hoping he can impress with a clash against Portugal, England and Denmark.

Darko Gyabi – England U20’s

Gyabi remains at Plymouth, spending the last 18 months with Argyle. The midfielder will take on a familiar face in Monteiro, before Switzerland over the next fortnight before returning to the south of England.

Rasmus Kristensen – Denmark

Still on the books at Leeds, Kristensen will have been an easy pick for Denmark as he shines for Frankfurt on loan. Scoring on Sunday, Kristensen will be in action for Denmark against Portugal on two occasions.