Mitch Freeley

International breaks are often a source of frustration for football fans as the domestic leagues around the world take a two-week sabbatical with the focus shifting to national sides. Whilst for the 32 sides heading to Russia 2018, these matches are crucial opportunities to try out new players, test them out against similar opponents in their group and tweak tactics ahead of the World Cup. Ahead of the first round of friendlies, we have picked out a number of debutants who will be looking to make an impact at international level.  

Two European heavyweights come together on Friday when Germany take on Spain in Düsseldorf. The defending World Champions, are in good shape and have not tasted defeat in their last 21 international games.Joachim Löw has elected for a squad full of established players, the notable absentees are the Dortmund duo of Mario Götze, who scored the winner in the 2014 World Cup final and Marco Reus who has recently returned from a serious ankle ligament injury.

Whilst for Spain, Julen Lopetegui hands a first cap to Chelsea wing-back Marcus Alonso after his standout season with Chelsea. Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa earns a call-up, whilst Cesc Fabregas & Alvaro Morata miss out. Spain has lost some of their gloss since their 2010 triumph and will be looking to get back to the top table of world football after bowing out in the group stage in Brazil four years ago. You can watch Germany against Spain live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT. 
 

Argentina & Italy face-off at the City of Manchester stadium, in what should be a fascinating battle between two World Cup greats. For La Albiceleste boss Jorge Sampaoli, he has made an interesting call in omitting Mauro Icardi fresh from his four-goal haul for Inter against Sampdoria. In his stead, Sampaoli has selected Lautaro Martínez of Racing who is widely expected to join Inter in the summer as a potential replacement for Icardi. 

Italy won’t be heading to the World Cup, after bowing out to Sweden in a playoff. Caretaker Azzurri boss Luigi Di Biagio has elected to freshen up the side in attack, choosing two uncapped rising stars. Federico Chiesa of Florentina who is is following in the footsteps of his father, Enrico. Whilst Patrick Cutrone who has been a revaluation at AC Milan this season. Both players are 20 years old, and a strong showing against Argentina could kick-start their international careers. You can watch Argentina take on Italy live & Exclusive via beIN SPORTS CONNECT. 

France against Columbia is the kind of contest we can expect at a quarter-final stage of a World Cup. Les Bleus will be using the match at the Stade de France as vital preparation for their group C match against Peru. 

After grabbing a brace against Manchester United in the Champions League Didier Deschamps has selected Sevilla striker Wissam Ben Yedder for his debut. The former French futsal player has the potential to offer Deschamps a different option in attack, and the 27-year old will be hoping to play some part in the contest on Friday. 

Columbia will be using the match against France as a chance to prepare for their group H match against Poland. Los Cafeteros boss José Pékerman has opted again for an experienced side with the likes of Falcao, James Rodrigez and David Ospina all regaining their places. 

The only noticeable absentee for Columbia is Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado who is still recovering from a groin injury that he picked up in December last year. Pékerman has also decided to give a third cap to José Izquierdo of Premier League side Brighton. The winger has been in good form his side this season and could yet force his way into contention for a place in the World Cup squad.