The Premier League is currently on its first of three international breaks before 2025 is over, with matches in September quickly followed by breaks in both October and November.

The Whites have various players in action representing their nations at senior and youth level. You can view a full list of matches involving our first team and academy players, here.

We take a look at two of our defensive stars in action, as Jaka Bijol’s Slovenia came up against Gabriel Gudmundsson’s Sweden...

The teammates emerged onto the pitch this time as opponents at the Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana, as both sides began their World Cup qualification campaign.

Bijol lined up for the hosts in the heart of the defence in front of veteran goalkeeper Jan Oblak. The towering defender won his 64th cap for his country on what was a third appearance against Sweden.

Gudmundsson showed his versatility as he featured in a somewhat different role to what Leeds fans will have seen from the defender in his fledgling Elland Road career, deployed as a wide centre-half in a back three for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side.

The visitors took an early lead into the break but were pegged back by a Slovenian equaliser moments after play resumed. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari then put Gabi’s team on track for victory, until a last gasp equaliser by Swansea City’s Žan Vipotnik rescued a point for Jaka and his countrymen.

The duo completed the full 90 minutes of what was an exciting clash in Group B. Sweden travel to Kosovo in their next fixture whilst Slovenia entertain Switzerland.

Elsewhere yesterday evening, Ilia Gruev played the full 90 minutes as Bulgaria were defeated at home by European Champions Spain, lining up against a star-studded La Roja side that included the likes of Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri.

If selected, Ilia will be back in action for Ilian Iliev’s team on Sunday as they travel to Tbilisi to face Georgia where he will win his 24th cap for the Lions.