Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 26 March 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United have been hit the hardest by international call-ups, with as many as 12 selected to represent their country.

Lining up for your nation is one of the biggest honours in football, but amid the Whites’ relegation fight, manager Daniel Farke would likely have wanted fewer players at risk of injury.

With seven Premier League games remaining this season, there is still plenty to play for at Elland Road, especially with an FA Cup semi-final also potentially looming.

Having plenty of his squad away will worry Farke, who will be hoping his squad returns in full health.

Ahead of Leeds’ upcoming fixtures, they will need as many of their best players available as possible.

Which Leeds United players are on international duty?

For Leeds, they have four of their squad called up for one nation, with the remaining eight lining up for separate countries.

Many of the squad are participating in friendlies, but the Welsh and Swedish contingent have a potential place in the World Cup on the line.

Players called up will not be able to get a much-needed break that many of the rest of their relegation rivals could get.

The LS11 side are tied with Tottenham on players called up with West Ham and Nottingham Forest likely amused at the situation

Could Leeds’ number of internationals away be a positive?

Admittedly, if you were a glass half-full person, there could be a silver lining to 12 players being away on international duty.

Those 12 Leeds stars competing for their nations can continue to play and potentially ride any momentum.

Take Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a prime example. In recent weeks, the strikers’ goalscoring form has left a lot to be desired.

However, if he performs for England, scoring for his country, he could return to LS11 rejuvenated and ready to guide the Whites out of the relegation zone.

If so, Leeds could overcome their poor post-international break record when they travel to face West Ham in FA Cup action.

On paper, the absences may pose a challenge, but with a different perspective, it could be exactly what Leeds need.

Hopefully, it is the latter that rings true when domestic football returns.