Several Tottenham Hotspur players featured for their national teams on Friday as the road to the 2026 World Cup continued, with one young star enjoying a particularly momentous evening.
Vuskovic's Landmark Night with Croatia
In a significant career milestone, Tottenham's Luka Vuskovic earned his first international start for Croatia in their crucial qualifier against the Farao Islands. The 18-year-old defender, currently on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg, played a key role in a 3-1 victory that secured Croatia's place at the next World Cup.
The match, played on 15th November 2024, saw Vuskovic line up alongside veterans Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, both former Spurs players. This was only his second senior cap for his country, making his full debut in the match that confirmed the 2018 runners-up would return to football's biggest stage.
The result ended the Farao Islands' hopes of securing a play-off spot, cementing Croatia's qualification. Vuskovic has previously expressed uncertainty about his immediate future, telling Croatian outlet MAXSport he would "like to stay at HSV for another season and play with my brother."
Mixed Fortunes for Dutch Contingent
While Vuskovic celebrated, it was a different story for his Tottenham teammate Xavi Simons with the Netherlands. The Dutch midfielder was named among the substitutes for their 1-1 draw with Poland but did not make it off the bench as manager Ronald Koeman utilised other options.
In contrast, Spurs defender Micky van de Ven played the full 90 minutes in the Dutch backline, which also featured Arsenal's Jurrien Timber alongside Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. Despite the draw, the Netherlands remain top of Group G with 17 points, holding a three-point advantage over Poland and virtually assuring their World Cup participation.
Donley Secures Play-Off Chance with Northern Ireland
Tottenham's Jamie Donley also saw international action, coming on as a late substitute in Northern Ireland's match against Slovakia. A stoppage-time goal from Tomas Bobcek resulted in a draw that dented automatic qualification hopes but confirmed a place in the play-offs.
Donley, who is on loan at Stoke City for the season, replaced Stevenage's James Reid in the latter stages. Northern Ireland now sit level on points with Germany at the top of Group A, trailing only on goal difference.
With the North London Derby looming when club football resumes, these international performances provide intriguing form insights for both Tottenham and Arsenal ahead of their highly anticipated clash.
