The Hammers have nine players called up by their countries for the November international break. Although many players and coaches across many different leagues have complained about having “pointless friendlies” due to the risk of COVID, many of the West Ham players are very excited and have a huge opportunity to stamp their mark on their national teams.
In Africa, Said Benrahma and Sebastian Haller are representing Algeria and Ivory Coast respectively, while in South America, Fabian Balbuena represents Paraguay in the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
In Europe, both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal got called up for Czech Republic, meanwhile both keepers Lukasz Fabianski and Darren Randolph represent Poland and the Republic of Ireland. Andriy Yarmolenko plays a key role for Ukraine while Declan Rice will be the only Iron to represent the Three Lions.
Africa
Said Benrahma will be hoping to make his sixth appearance for the Algerian national side, as they have a chance to secure a spot in the 2021 African Cup of Nations should they beat Zimbabwe on Thursday and then again on Monday.
Sebastien Haller could make his debut for Ivory Coast on Thursday or the following Tuesday, where they face Madagascar home and away. As Ivory Coast are third in their group and need to be in the top two to qualify, these two games could be crucial for Haller to stamp his mark on the team with a squad that includes the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Nicolas Pepe in his position.
South America 
After playing less than ten minutes in the first two 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Paraguayan centre back Fabian Balbuena will hope to make a start as his side have some tough fixture’s against Messi’s Argentina and a must win match against Bolivia.
After performing well in West Ham’s recent games, Balbuena hopes to get his first start since November 14th last year against Bulgaria. Despite being on the bench for the Hammers, Darren Randolph is a regular starter for Ireland as they face a friendly on Thursday with England, followed by two UEFA Nations League games on Sunday and Wednesday against Wales and Bulgaria.
The last game against Bulgaria is crucial with Ireland being only a point above them, with the prospect of being relegated into League C should they lose, the Irish will see this as a must win.
Europe 
Following their 1-0 loss to Germany, Czech Republic host both Israel and Slovakia for the Nations League and will need to win beat both sides if they want a chance to get promoted to League A. Lukasz Fabianski’s Poland took on Andriy Yarmolenko’s Ukraine side on Wednesday night, with the Polish side running out 2-0 winners
Poland then have two Nations League matches away to Italy on Sunday and home on Wednesday to the Netherlands. As Poland are one point above Italy and two points above the Netherlands, a win will be massive and can push the Polish side to the Nations League playoffs.
After their defeat at the hands of Poland, Yarmolenko’s Ukraine travel to Germany and Switzerland and play on Sunday and Tuesday in the Nations League. After Ukarine’s shock 1-0 victory against Spain, Yarmolenko will be a key part in helping Ukraine qualify for the playoffs.
England’s Declan Rice could face Irons teammate Darren Randolph, should he represent Ireland on Thursday’s game at Wembley. The Three Lions face Belgium away on Sunday and host Iceland on Wednesday in the Nations League.
Rice’s four out of eleven appearances for England have come in this season’s Nations League, and he will hope to continue fighting for his place in the national team for these
The Hammers away on international duty will be hoping to rejoin their teammates with a spring in their step, as they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United when the Premier League resumes.
