All the details on the Royals in action during the international break
It’s the international break – giving us the opportunity to see which Reading players have been called up by their countries and who they're facing over the next week.
Cesare Casadei – Italy Under-21s
Midfielder Cesare Casadei has been called up to the Italy Under-21 team for their fixtures against Serbia U21s and Ukraine U21s.
The Chelsea loanee made his debut for the Gli Azzurrini or ‘Little Blues’ in November 2022 and was involved in a training camp at Italy’s Coverciano training centre, led by Italy Manager Roberto Mancini, in December.
- Serbia Under-21 vs Italy Under-21 - Friday 24 March, 5pm*
- Italy Under-21 vs Ukraine Under-21 - Monday 27 March, TBD
Jeff Hendrick – Republic of Ireland
Central midfielder Jeff Hendrick could make appearance numbers 78 and 79 for the Republic of Ireland during this international break, as they take on Latvia and France during the break.
The Newcastle United loanee has featured in the squad with The Boys in Green every year since 2013 – also playing at the 2016 UEFA European Championship.
- Republic of Ireland vs Latvia - Wednesday 22 March - 7.45pm
- Republic of Ireland vs France - Monday 27 March - 7.45pm
Lucas Joao – Angola
Striker Lucas Joao has been called up to represent Angola and is looking to build on his singular cap, having previously represented Portugal on two occasions in 2015.
The Black Antelopes have a double header against Ghana, first facing The Black Stars away from home in Kumasi, then facing Chris Hughton’s side in Talatona in the second of two Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Matches.
- Ghana vs Angola - Thursday 23 March - 4pm
- Angola vs Ghana - Monday 27 March - 5pm
Amadou Mbengue – Senegal Under-23s
Defender Amadou Mbengue has been called up to the Senegal Under-23 squad for the two Africa U23 Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Mali U23s.
Mbengue’s versatility makes him a great prospect for Senegal – comfortable playing across the backline and capable of playing in midfield. The former FC Metz man has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Royals this season, scoring two goals.
- Senegal Under-23 vs Mali Under-23 - Wednesday 22 March - 7pm
- Mali Under-23 vs Senegal Under-23 - Tuesday 28 March - 7pm
Luke Southwood – Northern Ireland
Goalkeeper Luke Southwood has again been called up to represent Northern Ireland in their UEFA European Championship Qualifying Matches against San Marino and Finland.
The shot-stopper has excelled on loan with Cheltenham Town this season and previously made one appearance for the Green and White Army in a 3–1 win over Luxembourg in March 2022.
Northern Ireland will be looking to start their qualifying campaign by building some positive momentum. Michael O’Neill’s side are in a qualifying group with the likes of Denmark and Slovenia.
- San Marino vs Northern Ireland - Thursday 23 March - 7.45pm
- Northern Ireland vs Finland - Sunday 26 March - 7.45pm
Mamadi Camara – Guinea-Bissau
Mamadi Camara has been called up to represent Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying Matches against Nigeria. Guinea-Bissau lost 2-0 to the Super Eagles when these sides met in last year’s African Cup of Nations.
19-year-old Camara has already made three appearances for the Djurtus, winning his first cap against Equatorial Guinea in March 2022.
- Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau - Friday 24 March - 4pm
- Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria - Monday 27 March - 5pm
*All kick-off times are listed in GMT