Five Top Championship Players Representing Their Countries In The World Cup Qualifiers
Despite its status as a second-tier tournament, the EFL Championship is a very strong league in world terms and has some top talents representing it at international level.
Listing some of Newcastle’s big names is a tad obvious. So for the purposes of this piece, we will ignore the three promoted teams as well as those having come down from the Premier League, and concentrate on the nearly men. Their clubs may have had ultimately unremarkable seasons, but these players proudly represent their nations and harbour the hopes of performing at the World Cup next year in Russia.
Many second-tier players play for their countries these days, and here are five of the best Championship players who will be playing in the Qualifiers:
Tom Cairney (Fulham and Scotland)
The attacking midfielder had an excellent season and looks bound for a move to the Premier League in due course. For now though, he will line up against England at Hampden Park on Saturday in Scotland’s colours, looking to show what he can do on the big stage.
Steven Naismith (Norwich City and Scotland)
Another Scotland international with true quality is Naismith. He may yet follow Cairney out of this division, certainly if Rangers get their way, but for now he is concentrating on his country, for which he has done very little wrong. The underrated forward is still lively in front of goal and would be a good outside bet to score at the weekend.
Dave Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wales)
Despite having to play in a slightly more withdrawn role under Paul Lambert, Edwards continued his fine goal scoring record from midfield last season for Wolves and is another player who is undervalued. He will line up for Wales against Serbia and will no doubt impress again.
Pontus Jansson (Leeds United and Sweden)
Leeds United’s best player last season in the opinion of most, Jansson is becoming a firm and regular member of the Swedish national team and looks set to remain in their defence for years to come. Jansson is another player of Premier League quality and might look for a move if the chance arises.
Stefan Johansen (Fulham and Norway)
Johansen possesses true quality and loves to get forward from his central midfield role. Another livewire in the Fulham side this season, he complimented Cairney incredibly well and perhaps didn’t win enough of the plaudits during what was almost a very successful season.